Craving tender, fall-off-the-bone keto pork ribs but short on time? Thanks to the pressure cooker, this recipe delivers all the flavor and juiciness of slow-cooked ribs in a fraction of the time. Whether it’s an active weeknight or a last-minute dinner gathering, these ribs are your go-to for a low-carb, high-flavor meal.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Pork Ribs Recipe
If you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply trying to reduce your sugar intake, these ribs are perfect. They’re perfectly seasoned and finished with a tangy, sugar-free BBQ glaze that’s easy to tweak to your taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 racks of pork ribs (3–4 pounds total)
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup monk fruit or erythritol sweetener (or brown sugar for non-keto)
- ¾ cup sugar-free ketchup (or regular ketchup if not on keto)
- 1½ tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp mustard
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the final step:
- ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup no-sugar ketchup
- 2 tsp sweetener of choice (optional for added sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ribs
Release the thin membrane from the back of the ribs using a knife to loosen a corner. Grab it with a paper towel and pull it off. This step ensures more tender and flavorful ribs.
2. Season the Ribs
Mix salt, apple cider vinegar, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and water directly in your pressure cooker pot.
3. Pressure Cook
Place the ribs in the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a fast manual release.
4. Glaze and Broil (or Grill)
Carefully move the ribs to a baking sheet. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, and sweetener. Apply the glaze to the ribs and broil for 3–4 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Alternatively, grill over high heat for a few minutes on each side for a smoky finish.
Easy Keto Pork Ribs: Tender Pressure Cooker Recipe
Equipment
- 1 pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs ribs
- 3/4 cup ketchup I use no-sugar Heinz ketchup
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sweetener monk fruit/erythritol blend or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 11/2 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
For the final step
- 1/4 cup ketchup I use no-sugar Heinz ketchup
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce sugar free
- 2 tsp sweetener or brown sugar
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by using a sharp knife to loosen it at one end, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.
- Cut the racks of ribs into single or double pieces so that they fit comfortably in your pressure cooker.
- Combine and pour everything into the cooker, and then cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- To finish the ribs, carefully remove them from the pressure cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
- Mix the barbecue sauce, sweetener, and ketchup in a bowl then brush all over the ribs. Broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly. Alternatively, you can grill the ribs over high heat for a few minutes on each side.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe
Nutrition
The Secret to Perfect Pressure Cooker Ribs
The magic lies in the spice blend and the pressure cooking method. It locks in moisture and flavor, giving you fall-apart tenderness and bold smoky notes, all without needing a smoker or hours of slow cooking.
Tips for Perfect Keto Pork Ribs
- Adjust the Heat: Like it spicy? Add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap ribs in foil to reheat and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
A Must-Try Recipe
Ready to impress with a keto meal that’s restaurant-quality but incredibly easy? These pork ribs are flavorful, juicy, and satisfyingly sticky, without any of the sugar. Once you try them, you may never go back to traditional slow-cooked ribs.
Pressure-cooker ribs are a true game-changer for anyone craving tender meat fast. With easy ingredients and minimal prep, you get maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make keto pork ribs without a pressure cooker?
Yes, but cooking time will increase. You can slow-bake the ribs in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5–3 hours until tender, then broil or grill with the glaze for a caramelized finish.
2. Are pork ribs keto-friendly?
Yes, pork ribs are naturally low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making them ideal for keto. To keep them low-carb, use sugar-free BBQ sauce and sweeteners.
3. How do I remove the membrane from pork ribs?
Use a sharp cutter to loosen one corner of the light white membrane on the bone flank. Grab it with a paper towel for grip and pull it off completely. This helps make the ribs more tender and flavorful.
4. Can I store and freeze keto pork ribs?
Absolutely. Cooked ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. They can also be reheated, wrapped in foil at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
5. What keto-friendly sides go well with these pork ribs?
Great keto pairings include sautéed greens, cauliflower mash, or crispy air-fried vegetables. You can also serve with low-carb coleslaw or roasted zucchini.
