Easy Instant Pot Pork Riblets Recipe

I just made these Instant Pot pork riblets, and my kitchen smells absolutely amazing. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite because it’s so simple and delivers incredibly juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat every single time.

The Instant Pot does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like it has been slow-cooking for hours. I’m so excited to share how you can make this delicious meal at home with minimal effort. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pork Riblets

This recipe relies on a blend of classic Asian-inspired pantry staples to create a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly coats the tender pork.

• 1 lb Pork Riblets: These are smaller cuts from a full rack of ribs, making them ideal for pressure cooking as they become tender more quickly.
• 2 pieces Rock Sugar: This type of sugar provides a milder, more complex sweetness than regular white sugar and helps create a beautiful glaze on the riblets.
• 1/4 cup Rice Cooking Wine: This adds a subtle, authentic flavor and helps to tenderize the meat while balancing the richness of the pork.
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce: Use a good quality light or all-purpose soy sauce for a salty, umami base. It’s the foundation of the sauce’s flavor.
• 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce: This thick, savory sauce adds a deep, rich flavor and a glossy finish that makes the riblets look as good as they taste.
• 3 pieces dry bay leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse the dish with a subtle, herbal note that complements the other strong flavors.
• 3 pieces star anise: This spice provides a warm, licorice-like flavor that is essential for achieving that authentic Asian-inspired taste.

Note: This recipe makes several servings.

Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily adjust it to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Sweetener Swap: If you don’t have rock sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of brown sugar or even honey. Brown sugar will provide a similar molasses note, while honey will add its own distinct flavor. For a sugar-free option, use a suitable sugar alternative that measures like sugar.
• Flavor Boosters: Feel free to add a few cloves of smashed garlic or some slices of fresh ginger when you sauté the riblets. This will add another layer of aromatic flavor to the dish. A splash of sesame oil at the end can also add a nice, nutty aroma.
• Add Some Heat: For those who like a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite chili sauce to the pot along with the other liquids.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker is the star of the show, used for both sautéing the riblets and pressure cooking them to perfection.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for separating the pork riblets if they come in a rack.
• Knife: You’ll need a sharp knife to easily slice between the bones of the riblets.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the liquid ingredients and sauces.

How to Make Instant Pot Pork Riblets Recipe

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Following these simple steps will give you tender, flavorful riblets with a rich, glossy sauce.

Prepare the Riblets

First, prepare your meat. If your pork riblets are still connected in a small slab, use a sharp knife to carefully cut between each bone to separate them into individual pieces. This allows each riblet to brown properly and absorb the maximum amount of flavor from the sauce during cooking.

Sauté the Meat

Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add a bit of cooking oil to the inner pot and let it heat up. Carefully place the riblets in the pot, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sauté for a few minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a deep, savory flavor.

Build the Sauce

Once the riblets are browned, add the rock sugar to the pot. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and begins to caramelize, coating the meat in a light glaze. This creates the base for our sweet and savory sauce. Next, pour in the rice cooking wine, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Place the bay leaves and star anise on top of the riblets.

Pressure Cook to Perfection

Cancel the “Sauté” function. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 28 minutes at high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to “Venting.”

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take these riblets from great to absolutely amazing.

• Don’t skip the browning step. I know it’s tempting to just dump everything in, but searing the meat first makes a huge difference. It creates a flavorful crust that adds a ton of depth to the final dish.
• Thicken the sauce at the end. After pressure cooking, I like to remove the riblets and turn the “Sauté” function back on. Letting the remaining liquid simmer for a few minutes helps it reduce and thicken into a perfect glaze to pour over the meat.
• Let the riblets rest. Just like with any other cut of meat, I find that letting the riblets rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more moist and tender.
• Adjust seasoning after cooking. I always taste the sauce before serving. Sometimes it needs a little extra soy sauce for saltiness or a tiny bit more sugar for balance, depending on the brands of sauces I used.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pork Riblets

These riblets are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. For a simple and classic meal, serve them over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice, allowing the rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

They also pair wonderfully with a side of steamed green vegetables, like broccoli or bok choy, for a balanced meal. Garnish with some freshly chopped scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of color and texture.

Nutritional Information

Here is a general overview of the nutritional content for this dish. Please note that these values are approximate.

• Calories: The caloric content will vary based on the fat content of the pork riblets.
• Protein: Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Carbohydrates: Primarily from the sugar and sauces used in the recipe.
• Fat: The amount of fat depends on the specific cut of the riblets.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is perfect for meal prep or for saving leftovers for another day. Proper storage will ensure it stays fresh and delicious.

Storing

Once the riblets have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and become even better the next day.

Freezing

These riblets freeze very well. To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, you can gently warm the riblets in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals until heated through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this Instant Pot pork riblet recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.

• Incredibly Easy to Make: The Instant Pot simplifies the entire process. Most of the cooking is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other things while it works its magic. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal.
• Amazingly Tender and Flavorful: Pressure cooking makes the pork unbelievably tender in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. The combination of sweet and savory sauces creates a rich flavor that infuses every bite.
• Perfect for Family Dinners: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It feels special enough for a weekend meal but is easy enough for a busy weeknight, making it a versatile choice for any family gathering.
• Great for Meal Prep: The recipe is easy to double, and the leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so. It’s a fantastic option to cook on a Sunday and enjoy for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.