Dr. Pepper Ribs (Instant Pot Ribs) – The Wooden Skillet
Introduction
Looking for a dinner dish that’s equal parts effortless and bursting with flavor? Dr. Pepper Ribs, cooked in the Instant Pot, are your answer. This recipe creates incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs infused with sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes thanks to the unique addition of Dr. Pepper soda. It’s a crowd-pleasing main perfect for family gatherings, casual summer cookouts, or whenever you crave classic BBQ flavors without the hours spent at the grill.
Why Dr. Pepper Ribs in the Instant Pot are a Game Changer
The secret to these unforgettable ribs is the combination of the Instant Pot’s high-pressure cooking and the complex flavors of Dr. Pepper. The soda not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a caramelized richness that pairs perfectly with your favorite BBQ sauce. Cooking ribs in the Instant Pot slashes hours off traditional oven or grill methods, making this recipe both weeknight-friendly and impressive enough for guests.
The Perfect Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Rib Recipe
Start with a slab of baby back or St. Louis-style pork ribs. The Dr. Pepper, combined with a simple spice rub and your go-to BBQ sauce, forms a mouthwatering braising liquid that transforms into a sticky, finger-licking glaze. Once cooked under pressure, a quick broil at the end adds that irresistible caramelized finish.
Serving Suggestions – Bringing the BBQ Home
Pair these Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Ribs with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy roasted potatoes for a complete BBQ feast. Finish the meal with grilled corn or a fresh salad to balance out the rich, saucy ribs. For easy entertaining, set up a rib platter and let guests help themselves.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each portion provides approximately 450–550 calories (depending on sauce and rib cut), ample protein, and plenty of BBQ satisfaction. It’s a comforting main dish meant for sharing and special occasions.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning!
Instructions
- Prep the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne if using. Rub evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the trivet or a rack in the Instant Pot. Pour in the can of Dr. Pepper.
- Arrange ribs: Coil the rack of ribs (cut in half if needed for fit) and arrange upright on the trivet.
- Pressure cook: Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Glaze and broil: Carefully remove ribs and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with BBQ sauce. Broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes or until the sauce caramelizes and bubbles. Slice and serve hot!
Weekly Meal Planning
Dr. Pepper Instant Pot Ribs can be the star of more than just one meal. Make a double batch and use leftovers in sandwiches, tacos, or salads throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe via CookifyAI to plan exactly which days you’ll make it, and automatically generate smart shopping lists that combine all ingredients for your scheduled meals.
Planning Benefits:
- Calculates total required ingredients across your meal plan
- Organizes your shopping list by store section
- Prevents double-buying or missing items
- Makes your weeknight dinners stress-free and organized
Pro tip: Plan your meals together to optimize ingredient buys (e.g., use extra BBQ sauce for burgers or pulled pork) and reduce food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (includes pressure building & broiling)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Dr. Pepper Ribs—Instant Pot Tender, BBQ Classic Flavor (Recap)
Dr. Pepper Ribs cooked in the Instant Pot deliver deep, crowd-pleasing BBQ flavor with weeknight speed and simplicity. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or treating yourself to an impressive weekend dinner, this recipe offers juicy, flavorful ribs with minimal effort and maximum taste.