Description
Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe: Tender, juicy ribs cooked low and slow with a mouthwatering BBQ sauce. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds pork baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup barbecue sauce of choice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ribs Start by patting the ribs dry with paper towels. Carefully remove the membrane from the bone side of the rib racks as described in the pro tips. Cut each rack into sections of 3-4 ribs to fit comfortably in your slow cooker and allow for easier serving later.
- Step 2: Create and Apply the Dry Rub In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices. Massage this mixture generously onto all surfaces of the rib sections, pressing it in to adhere well. Let the seasoned ribs rest at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor).
- Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker Pour the apple cider vinegar into the bottom of your slow cooker and add the minced garlic. This creates a flavorful steam bath that will help tenderize the meat. Place the ribs in the slow cooker, standing them on edge in a circular pattern if possible, with the meaty sides facing outward. This arrangement allows for better heat circulation.
- Step 4: Cook Low and Slow Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The ribs are done when the meat is extremely tender and starts to pull away from the bones. They should bend easily when lifted but not completely fall apart.
- Step 5: Finish with Sauce and Broil Preheat your broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Carefully transfer the ribs to the prepared baking sheet, meaty side up. Brush generously with barbecue sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized, watching closely to prevent burning. For extra saucy ribs, add another layer of sauce before serving.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 rack of ribs
- Calories: 450 calories per serving
- Sugar: 15 grams
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 mg