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Braising Baby Back Ribs

Tender, juicy baby back ribs braised to perfection with a rich, sticky glaze, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 700
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs
  • 3 lbs baby back ribs Look for ribs with a good amount of marbling for extra flavor.
  • 2 cans (12 oz) beer Any beer you enjoy drinking will work wonders here.
  • 1 small onion, quartered Sweet onions add a lovely depth.
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup hoisin sauce A sweet and savory essential!
  • 1/2 cup grape jelly Trust me, this is a game-changer in adding sweetness.
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce Your choice here adds depth to the glaze.
  • 2 tsp brown sugar A hint of sweetness balances out all the savory notes.
  • 1 Tbsp dry mustard This brings a nice tanginess to the dish.
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced More garlic? Yes, please!
  • 1/2 tsp hot sauce Adjust based on your heat preference!
  • Juice of 1 lime To brighten up the whole dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Remove the membrane on the bone side of your ribs.
  2. Combine the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan: hoisin sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, minced garlic, hot sauce, and lime juice. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally for around 5 minutes until it thickens.
Cooking
  1. For the Instant Pot: Add the beer, onion, and crushed garlic. Cut the ribs into manageable portions if necessary and place them in the pot. Set to the meat setting and cook for 15-25 minutes, depending on desired tenderness. Release the pressure carefully.
  2. For the Slow Cooker: Add the beer, onion, and garlic, then place the ribs inside. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Follow with broiling as mentioned above.
  3. Move the ribs to a baking sheet, brush glaze on top, and broil for about 5 minutes until caramelized.

Notes

These ribs are best enjoyed fresh, served with sides like coleslaw or cornbread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.