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Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
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Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs offer tender, juicy pork ribs infused with rich, smoky barbecue flavors. This easy, hands-off recipe uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to create melt-in-your-mouth ribs perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. Customize the seasoning and sauce to suit your taste, and finish with a broil for a caramelized crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs), trimmed
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure maximum tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Arrange the ribs in the slow cooker either flat or standing up against the sides to fit best. Pour the apple cider vinegar around the ribs to add moisture and help tenderize the meat as it cooks.
  3. Add the Sauce and Seasoning: In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with the brown sugar and chili powder or cayenne if using. Spread this sauce mixture evenly over the ribs, covering all surfaces for full flavor infusion.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the ribs for 6 to 8 hours, or until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the heat and moisture consistent.
  5. Finish Under the Broiler (Optional): For a caramelized and slightly crispy finish, transfer ribs to a baking sheet. Brush with extra BBQ sauce and broil on high for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Remove the membrane from ribs before seasoning to ensure tenderness.
  • Use baby back or spare ribs for best results—baby backs cook faster, spare ribs are richer.
  • Brown sugar adds caramelization and depth to the BBQ sauce.
  • Cooking on low heat for a longer period breaks down connective tissues, making ribs very tender.
  • Let ribs rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness or spiciness to your taste before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ribs, BBQ ribs, easy ribs recipe, slow cooked pork ribs, gluten free ribs

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/slow-cooker-bbq-ribs/