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12 Bones Smokehouse Root Beer Baby Back Ribs Recipe

12 Bones Smokehouse Root Beer Baby Back Ribs Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

No need to drive to Asheville for the best BBQ—this copycat recipe for 12 Bones Smokehouse Root Beer Baby Back Ribs lets you capture their legendary flavor right at home! We've simplified the method to ensure that even home cooks can achieve perfectly succulent ribs every time, featuring a simple dry rub and a signature sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that bakes or slow-roasts until the meat is unbelievably tender. Forget the expensive tab and the reservation; this recipe guarantees authentic, impressive results that will make you feel like a pitmaster.

Ingredients 

For the Ribs & Pressure Cooking

  • 2 racks, about 3–4 lbs
  • 3 tablespoons dry rub, salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, brown sugar
  • 1 cup Root Beer, regular or diet

For the Root Beer Glaze

  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce, choose your favorite
  • ½ cup packed Brown Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions

  • Slice the two racks of 2 racks into 3 to 4 sections so they fit easily into the Instant Pot. Crucially, ensure the silver membrane is removed from the bone side.
  • Generously coat all sides of the rib pieces with the 3 tablespoons dry rub.
  • Pour the 1 cup Root Beer into the bottom of the Instant Pot liner.
  • Place the metal trivet (or steamer rack) into the pot. Arrange the ribs on top of the trivet, standing them up vertically if necessary.
  • Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on Manual/High Pressure for 23 minutes.
  • Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally (NPR) for 10 minutes. Then, manually switch the valve to Venting for a Quick Release (QR) of any remaining pressure.
  • Carefully transfer the tender ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Discard the liquid from the Instant Pot liner.
  • Return the inner pot to the Instant Pot. Add the 1 cup BBQ Sauce, ½ cup packed Brown Sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce, and1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar to the pot.
  • Press the Sauté button. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently for about 3–5 minutes, until it is hot and slightly thickened into a sticky glaze. Press Cancel.
  • Preheat: Set your oven to Broil (High) and position a rack about 6-8 inches from the element.
  • Generously brush the top of the ribs with the root beer BBQ glaze.
  • Broil the ribs for 1–3 minutes until the glaze is bubbling, sticky, and slightly caramelized. Watch constantly to prevent burning!
  • Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and enjoying.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot,
  • Tongs

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 582kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 20gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 664mgPotassium: 299mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 41IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg