How to Enjoy Delicious Ribs Without the Salt

5 servings
1 hr 25 min

BBQ ribs are a summer staple for many people, but for those on a low sodium diet, the traditional recipe can be a bit too salty. Luckily, with a few simple swaps and substitutions, it’s possible to enjoy delicious BBQ ribs without the salt and still achieve your health goals.

BBQ ribs are a classic American dish, but cooking them to perfection can be a challenge. Traditional methods require hours of cooking time and constant attention to ensure the meat is tender and flavorful. Fortunately, using an Instant Pot can make the process much easier and faster.

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Choosing the Right Ribs


When it comes to BBQ ribs, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial. The most popular types of ribs are baby back ribs and spare ribs. Baby back ribs are smaller and leaner, while spare ribs are meatier and fattier. Both types of ribs can be delicious, but it’s important to choose the right type for your taste and cooking method.

When selecting ribs, look for meat that is pink and well-marbled with fat. Avoid ribs that are discolored or have a strong odor. It’s also important to choose ribs that are fresh and have not been frozen. If you can only get frozen ribs make sure they are completely thawed before using.

Uncooked Ribs
Why Use an Instant Pot for BBQ Ribs?


As someone who loves cooking ribs, I have found that using an Instant Pot has many benefits when it comes to preparing BBQ ribs. Here are a few reasons why I prefer using an Instant Pot for my BBQ ribs:


1. Saves Time


Cooking ribs can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re smoking them. However, with an Instant Pot, you can have perfectly cooked ribs in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot helps to break down the meat, making it tender and juicy in a shorter amount of time.


2. Consistent Results


One of the biggest challenges when cooking ribs is getting them to cook evenly. With an Instant Pot, you don’t have to worry about this. The pressure cooking function ensures that the ribs are cooked evenly, resulting in consistent, delicious results every time.


3. Easy to Use


Using an Instant Pot is incredibly easy. Simply season your ribs, place them in the Instant Pot with some liquid, and let the pressure cooker do the rest. You don’t have to worry about adjusting the temperature or monitoring the cooking process like you would with other cooking methods.


4. Versatile


Another great thing about using an Instant Pot for BBQ ribs is that it’s versatile. You can use the Instant Pot to cook a variety of rib recipes, from traditional BBQ to Asian-inspired flavors. Plus, you can also use the Instant Pot to cook other types of meats and dishes, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.


Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions


Preparation


I start by preparing the ribs. I remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim off any excess fat. Then, I season the ribs with a dry rub of my choice. make sure to coat the ribs evenly with the rub.


  • 4 tbsp smoked paprika can substitute regular paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper


I then place the seasoned ribs on their edge in a circle. Next, I add a bottle or can of beer to the Instant Pot .


Cooking


I close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing”. I then select the “manual” setting and adjust the time to 25 – 40 minutes on high pressure depending on the number of racks. Once the cooking time is up, I allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

After opening the lid, I remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. I then place them on a preheated grill to 375 – 400 degrees. I grill them on one side and then turn them over. I brush them with my favorite BBQ sauce and grill them for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and sticky. Note: I turn them and add sauce to my preferred taste.

Red Duck BBQ Sauce

Final Touches


Once the ribs are off the grill, I let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into individual servings. I serve them with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

And that’s it! With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and tender Instant Pot BBQ ribs in no time.


It’s All About Balance,


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BBQ Ribs on the grill with flames
How to Enjoy Delicious Ribs Without the Salt
Recipe details
  • 5  servings
  • Prep time: 10 minutes Minutes Cook time: 75 Minutes Total time: 1 hr 25 min
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Ingredients

  • 1 slab Baby Back Ribs Membrane removed
  • 1 Bottle Beer Your Choice
  • 1/4 Cup No Salt BBQ Seasoning
  • 1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce Low Sodium Red Duck
Instructions

Prepare Ribs by removing the membrane on the back of the ribs. Massage in liberal amounts of the No Salt Southwest Chipotle Seasoning.
Place Ribs in the InstaPot on their side curving them around the pot.
Pour in the whole beer.
Cook Ribs for 40 – 45 minutes in the InstaPot per directions.
Remove from the InstaPot and place on 400 degree preheated Grill.
Baste with BBQ sauce on both sides and cook until desired doneness – allow 20-25 minutes for grilling.
Christy La Vine
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