Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs
If you don't have time to make the dry rub, Trader Joe's makes a Seasoning Salt that is a great substitute. If you'd like, trim the membrane on the back of the ribs. I prefer to keep it attached so the meat doesn't completely fall off the bone. If you're really short on time, sprinkle seasoning salt on the ribs and use good quality jarred BBQ sauce, such as Bone Suckin' Sauce.
If you don't have time to make the dry rub, Trader Joe's makes a Seasoning Salt that is a great substitute. If you'd like, trim the membrane on the back of the ribs. I prefer to keep it attached so the meat doesn't completely fall off the bone. If you're really short on time, sprinkle seasoning salt on the ribs and use good quality jarred BBQ sauce, such as Bone Suckin' Sauce.
- salt to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1/2 yellow onion finely minced
- 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
- a few dashes hot sauce such as crystal or tabasco
- 1 teaspoon salt (i use real salt or himalayan salt)
- 3-4 pounds baby back ribs
- Carbohydrate 103.958372840073 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 17.6645663137936 g
- Fiber 6.01043043666838 g
- Protein 8.79079325387488 g
- Saturated Fat 2.03564409356503 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (534g)
- Sodium 6694.39002270445 mg
- Sugar 97.9479424034043 g
- Trans Fat 1.15599699481458 g
- Calories 579 calories
Step-by-step
- To make the barbecue sauce, warm the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté an additional minute. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dry mustard, chili powder, cumin and about 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer and then reduce to low. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep from burning.
- Once the sauce has thickened, after about 10 minutes, stir in the hot pepper sauce of your choosing.
- To make the dry rub, add the spices and salt to a small bowl. Stir to combine.
- Preheat the broiler. Cut the ribs into 3-4 rib segments. Place the ribs on a sheetpan and sprinkle both sides with the dry rub. Place the ribs under the broiler for about 4-5 minutes. Flip the ribs and continue broiling for 5 more minutes.
- Transfer the ribs to a slow cooker, add the barbecue sauce, and evenly coat the ribs in sauce. Cover and cook the ribs on the low for 5-6 hours. The ribs should be very tender.
- If you'd like to separate some of the fat from the pan, after the ribs are cooked pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan and let it stand for a few minutes. This will allow it to separate. Use a spoon to skim the fat off of the top. Bring the remaining sauce to a rapid boil for 3-4 minutes to reduce and thicken.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs: A Weekend Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weekends are my sanctuary, a time for family, relaxation, and, of course, some serious cooking. This slow cooker BBQ pork ribs recipe is my go-to for a crowd-pleasing meal that's surprisingly easy to make, even with my packed schedule. The beauty of the slow cooker lies in its ability to transform humble ingredients into tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection while requiring minimal hands-on time from me.
The aroma of smoky BBQ fills the house while the ribs gently simmer, promising a feast. I often make a double batch, especially when we're having friends or family over. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, either cold or gently reheated, making them perfect for quick lunches or even a simple dinner during the week. It’s truly the perfect balance of convenience and culinary indulgence – something every busy mom appreciates.
Preparing the Ribs: The initial steps are straightforward. I usually start by prepping the ribs, giving them a good rub with my homemade spice blend (although that store-bought seasoning salt is a fantastic time-saver!). A quick broil adds a beautiful char before they’re nestled into the slow cooker. This adds a touch of sophistication to the flavor profile, setting them apart from your average BBQ ribs. I love how this seemingly small step significantly enhances the taste and texture.
The Magic of the Slow Cooker: The slow cooker works its magic. Hours of gentle cooking break down the tough connective tissues in the ribs, resulting in that unbelievably tender texture everyone craves. The slow, low cooking allows the flavors to meld seamlessly, creating a rich and complex BBQ experience. I rarely need to adjust the sauce or seasonings – the recipe itself is remarkably forgiving. This is a huge benefit for a busy mom like me; less guesswork means more time for other priorities.
The BBQ Sauce: I’ve perfected my BBQ sauce over the years, tweaking it to suit my taste. A simple yet flavorful blend of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich, tangy base that complements the savory ribs perfectly. The addition of a dash of hot sauce adds a welcome kick. You can adjust the spiciness according to your preference, ranging from a mild simmer to a fiery finish. I love the versatility; I can easily adapt it to suit different taste preferences within my family.
Serving Suggestions: These ribs are truly versatile. I often serve them with a side of creamy coleslaw to cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce. A simple potato salad or corn on the cob also complements the meal beautifully. My children love them with fluffy mashed potatoes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – it readily accommodates a variety of sides and complements any gathering, be it a casual family dinner or a more formal get-together.
Beyond the Weekend: While this recipe is a weekend staple for me, its simplicity allows for adaptation throughout the week. I sometimes use pre-cooked ribs as a shortcut for busy weeknights, simply simmering them in the BBQ sauce in the slow cooker for a few hours. This delivers a similar result without the initial broiling step. It's all about finding that perfect balance between flavor and convenience for any occasion.
This Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs recipe is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of slow cooking and the joy of creating delicious memories with family and friends. It’s a reminder that even amidst a hectic schedule, there's always time to indulge in the simple pleasures of life – and savor the taste of home-cooked perfection. The smell alone is worth the effort, filling the house with a wonderful aroma and anticipation of a delicious meal. This recipe has become a beloved tradition in our home, a testament to the transformative magic of a slow cooker and a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients List: (Note: Specific quantities are not detailed here; these are reminders based on the previous ingredient list)
- Baby Back Ribs
- Salt
- Garlic (minced and powder)
- Onion Powder
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Chili Powder
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Cumin
- Cayenne Pepper
- Ketchup
- Sweet Paprika
- Avocado Oil
- Dry Mustard
- Yellow Onion (minced)
- Brown Sugar
- Hot Sauce (e.g., Crystal or Tabasco)
