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Instant Pot Sticky Hoisin Baby Back Ribs

This dairy-free main course simplifies a barbecue classic by using a pressure cooker to achieve incredibly tender results in a fraction of the time. These Instant Pot sticky hoisin baby back ribs are infused with authentic Cantonese-inspired flavours, featuring a rich, aromatic glaze made from ginger, soy, and five-spice powder. By finishing the ribs under the grill, you achieve that sought-after caramelised char and a glossy, finger-licking finish that rivals any traditional slow-cooked version.

Perfect for a fuss-free weekend dinner or an impressive sharing platter, this recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser for those seeking a balance of sweet and savoury. Serve them piled high with a sprinkle of sea salt and extra sauce for dipping, perhaps alongside a fresh slaw or steamed bok choy. It is a satisfying, high-protein meal that delivers deep, complex flavours with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy home cooks.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Instant Pot Sticky Hoisin Baby Back Ribs

  • 1.8kg baby back pork ribs (about 2 racks)

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 80ml hoisin sauce

  • 80ml honey

  • 80ml soy sauce, preferably dark

  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder

  • Flaky sea salt

  • An Instant Pot

How to make Instant Pot Sticky Hoisin Baby Back Ribs

Cut meat between bones into individual ribs; season with kosher salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.

Whisk hoisin, honey, soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and five-spice powder in cooker insert. Toss ribs in sauce to coat, then fit as many as possible in a single layer; set remaining ribs on top. Lock on lid, making sure steam release valve is in the proper sealed position. Select “Manual” and program for 12 minutes at high pressure.

As soon as the time has elapsed, turn off cooker, “Quick Release” the steam, and unlock lid. The ribs should be tender enough to easily pierce with a sharp knife. Transfer ribs to a platter.

Select “Sauté” and let cooking liquid simmer until reduced by about half, 10–15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare a medium direct fire on a gas or charcoal grill (or preheat grill). Brush ribs with sauce. Place ribs on grate directly over fire, meaty side down. Close lid and grill until browned and crisp in places, about 5 minutes (or transfer them to a baking sheet, meaty side up, and grill the same way).

Return ribs to platter. Top with sea salt. Serve with remaining sauce alongside.

Cooks’ Note: For a fruitier spin on the sauce, substitute pineapple or orange juice for the honey and use a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes instead of the five-spice powder.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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