Instant Pot® Asian-Style Sticky Ribs

Create your own tour of Asia without even boarding a plane. Sweet, sour, and spicy flavors come together in about an hour to to transport your family, gastronomically, to an exotic destination.

NOTE: Not able to find pre-sliced baby back ribs? Grab a slab, just be sure to remove the membrane on the back before you slice them yourself to keep from odd shrinkage and toughness…
ALSO: Pick up the garlic chili sauce we’re using here at your grocery store or online. It’s a spicy one, and gets spicier over time, so start with just a teaspoon but add more later, if you can handle it!

Prep time: 15 minutes
Active cook time: 25 minutes (+ time to come to pressure)
Natural release: 10 minutes
Broil time: 5-6 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Dry Rub Ingredients:

1 t. salt
½ t. black pepper
2 t. Chinese 5 Spice blend
1 t. garlic powder
½ t. onion powder

Sauce Ingredients:

1 T. fresh ginger, finely minced
1-2 t. sugar-free garlic chili sauce
¼ c. tamari or coconut aminos
½ c. honey, preferably local
1/3 c. water
1/3 c. cider vinegar
¼ t. salt

Ingredients:

2 lbs. baby back ribs, sliced
2 T. cornstarch
3 large green onions, sliced, green parts only
1 T. white sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Combine the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.

3. Place the ribs in a large bowl and sprinkle the dry rub on top. Toss to combine and rub the seasoning into the ribs until they are coated on all sides.

4. Place the seasoned ribs in the Instant Pot® without stacking and pour the sauce on top. Lock the lid into place and flip the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Set the “Manual” setting to “High” and adjust cook time to 25 minutes.

5. While the ribs are cooking, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.

6. When cook time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, carefully remove the lid and transfer the ribs to the prepared baking sheet. Set aside.

7. Place the top oven rack a few inches below the broiler and pre-heat the broiler to “high.”

8. Add the cornstarch and an equal amount of the hot liquid from the Instant Pot® to a small bowl and stir to combine.

9. Select the “Sauté’ function on the highest setting and bring the sauce to a boil while stirring frequently. Add a little of the cornstarch slurry at a time to the sauce until thickened, approximately 1-2 minutes.

10. Turn the Instant Pot® off. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and brush over the ribs on both sides. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes before turning. Repeat on remaining side until nicely browned.

11. Remove the baking sheet from oven and brush more sauce on the ribs, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with remaining sauce on the side.