Crock-Pot Pork Ribs

Okay friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon. What are some of the best crock pot pork ribs recipes? Forget slaving over a hot grill for hours! What are some of the best ribs recipes you’ve ever tried? Why do people melt in their mouths? Seriously, these rival any restaurant ribs I’ve ever had, and trust me, I have eaten a LOT of brisket in my life. Think of it as pulled pork’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin – less work, and more flavor. What is a crowd pleaser?

What is a crock pot pork rib?

What are crock pot pork ribs? What is essentially taking a rack of ribs – usually spare ribs or baby back biceps work best – and then putting them in the freezer. Slow cooking in a Crock Pot (slow cooker) with flavorful sauce. Think of it as a long, gentle braise that turns even the toughest ribs into succulent pull-aparts. What is a slow cooker? What is the best way to forget it? What is the origin of magic? I’m pretty sure every family has their own version, but this one is mine, perfected over years. What is the process of tweaking and tasting?

Why do I love this recipe?

What are some of the best reasons to make Crock Pot Pork Ribs? First and foremost, the human body.flavorWhat is out of this world? What is the caramelized crust on ribs?

Beyond taste, the taste is the most important thing.simplicityWhat really sells it? Is it possible to cook ribs in a crockpot? No babysitting, no flipping, and no worrying about burning them. What is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary genius without actually having to do anything? I can literally prep this in 10 minutes before running out the door to soccer practice and come home. To a fully cooked, delicious dinner.

Let’s not forget about the power of God.Cost-Is rib meat cheap? What are some pantry staples that you probably already have on hand? Can you stretch a single rack of ribs and serve them with plenty of water? What is the secret weapon for feeding a crowd on sabbatical?

Is it incredibly crappyversatileCan you serve these ribs as a main course with classic BBQ sides? What are some good ways to make a sandwich or taco, or chop them up and add them to salads? What are the possibilities? I sometimes make a double batch just so I have leftovers to play with during the week. If you like ribs, you’ll also probably enjoy my Instant Pot Chicken recipe, it’s a similar recipe. What is the concept of chicken?

How do I make a Crock Pot Pork Rib?

Quick Overview

Making these Crock-Pot Pork Ribs is truly as easy as 1-2-3! You start by prepping the ribs with a dry rub, then smothering them in your favorite BBQ sauce. Next, they go into the slow cooker for a few hours, where they become incredibly tender and flavorful. Finally, a quick broil in the oven to caramelize the sauce, and you’re ready to devour them! The beauty of this method is that the slow cooker does all the work, ensuring that the ribs are perfectly cooked every single time.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:
* 2-3 pounds pork spare ribs (I prefer spare pork because of their richer flavor) or baby back-rib (i.e. a few pounds of pork)
* 2 tablespoons paprika (adds a smoky sweetness)
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder (because everything’s better with garlic)
* 1 tablespoon onion powder (for that savory depth)
* 1 teaspoon chili powder (a little kick!)
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smoky goodness) * 2 teaspoons chives
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground) is best.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)

For the Sauce:
* 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce (I love a classic hickory flavor)
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (adds a tangy kick)
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for sweetness and caramelization) * 1 tablespoon white sugar = 1 teaspoon.
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth)
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang and complexity)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

First, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is optional, but it does make the ribs more tender. To do this, slide a butter knife under the membrane and gently pull it away from the bone. Use a paper towel to grip it and pull it off completely. Don’t worry if you can’nt get it all, just do your best! How do you cut the ribs into sections that fit comfortably in your crockpot? I usually cut my ribs into 3-4 sections.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder. Stir well. Black pepper, salt. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. What gives ribs that amazing flavor?

Step 3: Rub the Ribs

Generously rub the dry rub all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides. Really massage it in there! The more rub you use, the more flavorful the ribs will be. I like to let the ribs sit with the rub on them for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge. How do you allow the flavors to penetrate the meat?

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar and Worcestershire. Set aside. What is the difference between Dijon mustard and mustard? Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like a sweeter sauce, add 12 cup more brown sugar. If you like a tangier sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. I usually add a pinch of cayenne pepper to my smoothies for extra kick. But that’s just me.

Step 5: Assemble in the Crock-Pot

Place the ribs in the Crock Pot in a single layer, if possible. If you have too many ribs to fit in a single layer, you can stack them on top of each other. Make sure to rotate them halfway through cooking. How do you spread sauce over ribs? I like to reserve about 1/4 cup of the sauce to brush on the ribs at the end for extra flavor and flavor.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The ribs are done when they are very tender and easily pull apart from the bone. How long does it take for ribs to cook? I always start checking them around the 6-hour mark on low, just to be safe.

Step 7: Broil for Caramelization (Optional)

This step is optional, but it really takes the ribs to the next level! Preheat oven broiler to high. Carefully remove the ribs from the Crock-Pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush them with the reserved BBQ sauce. Broil for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly. Serve immediately. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly under the broiler!

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender and flavorful. Serve with your favorite BBQ side, and get ready to enjoy the most delicious, fall-off-the-bone burgers. What are some of the best ribs you’

What should I serve it with?

What do you serve with these Crock Pot Pork Ribs? What are some of my favorite pairings?

For a Classic BBQ Feast:What are some of my favorite recipes for coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans and cornbread? Can you go wrong with these classics? I also love adding some grilled corn on the cob for extra summery goodness.

For a Lighter Meal: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, grilled asparagus, and some quinoa or brown rice. This is a great option if you’re trying to keep things healthy.

For a Tex-Mex Fiesta: Shred the ribs and use them in tacos or burritos with all your favorite toppings, like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese. Serve with some Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

For a Cozy Night In: Mac and cheese (because who doesn’t love mac and cheese?), mashed potatoes, and some steamed broccoli. This is the ultimate comfort food combo!

My family’s personal tradition is to have these ribs with my aunt’s homemade potato salad and some watermelon. It’s the perfect summer meal that always brings back happy memories.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock-Pot Pork Ribs

Want to take your Crock-Pot Pork Ribs to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:

Don’t Skip the Dry Rub: The dry rub is essential for adding flavor to the ribs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices to create your own signature blend. I sometimes add a little cumin or brown sugar for extra depth.

Use a Good Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is the star of the show, so make sure to use one that you really love. I prefer a classic hickory flavor, but you can use any flavor you like. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own BBQ sauce from scratch!

Don’t Overcook the Ribs: Overcooked ribs will be dry and tough. The ribs are done when they are very tender and easily pull apart from the bone. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Broil for Caramelization: This step is optional, but it really adds a beautiful caramelized crust to the ribs. Just be sure to watch them closely, as they can burn quickly under the broiler!

Let the Ribs Rest: Letting the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender and flavorful. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Ingredient Swaps: I’ve tested these ribs with honey instead of brown sugar, and they turned out fantastic! The honey adds a slightly different sweetness that’s really delicious. You can also use different types of vinegar, like rice vinegar or white wine vinegar, for a different tang. Just experiment and see what you like best!

One lesson I learned the hard way is to always line my Crock-Pot with a liner. It makes cleanup SO much easier! Trust me on this one.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of Crock-Pot Pork Ribs, but you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the ribs at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate them as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing them.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the ribs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the ribs, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until after they’ve been thawed and reheated. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or gummy during the freezing process.

To reheat the ribs, you can either microwave them, bake them in the oven, or grill them. Microwaving is the quickest option, but it can make the ribs a little bit tough. Baking them in the oven is a better option, as it will reheat them more evenly. Grilling them will give them a nice smoky flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce. Many BBQ sauces contain gluten, so it’s important to check the label. You can also make your own gluten-free BBQ sauce from scratch using gluten-free ingredients.

Can I use a different type of ribs?

Yes, you can use any type of pork ribs you like, such as spare ribs, baby back ribs, or St. Louis-style ribs. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs, so keep an eye on them.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can definitely make this in an Instant Pot! Just follow the same steps, but cook the ribs on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Then, broil them in the oven for caramelization.

Can I add vegetables to the Crock-Pot?

Yes, you can add vegetables to the Crock-Pot for a complete meal. I recommend adding root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions, as they can withstand the long cooking time. Add them to the Crock-Pot along with the ribs.

How can I make this spicier?

If you like a little heat, you can add some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the dry rub or the BBQ sauce. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my super-easy, super-delicious recipe for Crock-Pot Pork Ribs! I promise you, this is a recipe that you’ll make again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend barbecues, or any time you’re craving some seriously good ribs. The ease of the recipe combined with the flavor that rivals any restaurant makes it a winner in my book. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Crock-Pot Pulled Chicken recipe, it’s just as simple and satisfying!

I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them! Happy cooking!