Do you want to make a delicious and succulent dinner that takes minimal effort? Then look no further than Slow Cooker Spare Ribs! After just a few minutes of prep, your spare ribs will be simmering in the slow cooker for hours until they are tender and fall-off-the-bone perfection.
Contents
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooked Spare Ribs
- Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking ensures these ribs are perfectly tender and fall-off-the-bone good.
- Effortless Cooking: Just set the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Flavorful Feast: The mix of spices gives these slow cook ribs a mouthwatering, smoky flavor.
Recipe Ingredients
Here are the ingredients for your slow cooker baby back ribs recipe:
- Baby Back Ribs: Are the star of the dish, known for their tenderness and meatiness, they become incredibly flavorful and fall-off-the-bone tender when slow-cooked.
- Cloves Of Garlic or Garlic Powder: Whether fresh or powdered, garlic adds a punchy, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich taste of the ribs.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Gives the ribs a deep, savory umami flavor and a beautiful dark color.
- Sweet Soy Sauce: Provides a balance to the saltiness of the dark soy sauce, adding a hint of sweetness and a glossy finish to the ribs.
- Raw Honey: Enhances the sweetness in the dish, creating a delightful sweet-savory balance and helping to create a sticky, caramelized exterior on the ribs.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor and sweetness that complements the other spices and the strong flavors of the soy sauce and honey.
- Paprika Powder: Lends a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a vibrant color to the ribs, enhancing their overall appeal.
- Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor that rounds out the taste of the ribs, adding complexity to the dish.
If you don’t have honey you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar instead. This slow cook recipe serves 2-3 people. You’re going to love this slow cooker ribs recipe.
How To Make Slow Cooker Spare Ribs?
Here are the instructions for slow cooker spare ribs.
Step One: Combine the onion powder, paprika powder and cumin, and rub the ribs with dry rub. Mince the garlic and add the dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce and honey to a bowl. Mix until well combined.
Step Two: Brush the marinade over the ribs. Save some of the marinade. Cut the ribs in half and place them in the slow cooker. Cook for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Step Three: Brush the rack of ribs every hour with the remaining sauce. Now your ribs should be bone tender and ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Creating delicious slow cooker spare ribs is easy when you follow this recipe. With little effort, you can have a flavorful dinner on the table with minimal fuss.
Best Way To Store Leftovers
- Storage: Cool your Slow Cooker Spare Ribs to room temperature before refrigerating. Use an airtight container or tightly wrap them in plastic for freshness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the ribs for longer storage. Ensure they are completely cooled, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in freezer-grade plastic wrap. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheating: If your ribs are frozen, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once they are thawed, reheat in a preheated oven or microwave until they reach your preferred temperature.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Spare Ribs
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Perfectly complementing the tender spare ribs, these mashed potatoes are creamy and flavorful.
- Coleslaw : The crispness of coleslaw and the tangy dressing cut through the richness of the ribs, creating a balanced bite.
- Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts provide a satisfying crunch alongside the fall-off-the-bone ribs.
- Buttery Cornbread: Soft buttery cornbread is an excellent side to soak up the delicious juices from the spare ribs.
- Loaded Potatoes: Stuffed with cheese, bacon, and green onions, these potato skins are a delightful indulgence to accompany your slow cooker’s spare ribs.
FAQ’S
What Are Spare Ribs?
Spare ribs are a cut of pork that come from the belly and side of the pig. They are usually sold in slabs, with several bones attached to each piece of meat. After cooking, spare ribs will have a tender texture with lots of flavor. The name “spare ribs” comes from the fact that they are cut from the side of the pig, which is known as the spare section. This part of the pig has less fat than other cuts, making bone ribs ideal for slow cooking.
What To Do With Spare Rib Trimmings?
Don’t throw away the trimmings from your spare ribs! They make a great snack or appetizer. Simply season them with some salt and pepper, then bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Serve with some ranch dressing or honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Boneless Pork Ribs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can still make slow cooker spare ribs with boneless pork ribs. The cooking time may be slightly shorter since the meat is thinner. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the ribs before serving to ensure they are cooked through.
How Long to Cook Spare Ribs in the Slow Cooker?
It depends on the setting you use. Generally, it takes 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high for the spare ribs to become tender.
How Do I Know When My Spare Ribs Are Done?
When the meat is fork-tender and starts to pull away from the bone, your spare ribs are done. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should register at least 145°F (63°C).
Do I Need to Cover the Spare Ribs in the Slow Cooker?
Yes, you should cover the slow cooker when you cook ribs. The lid helps lock in moisture and heat for even cooking. If your slow cooker doesn’t have a lid, you can cover the pork ribs with foil for a similar effect.
Do I Need to Baste My Spare Ribs?
Yes, basting your spare ribs will help keep them moist and add more flavor. Simply brush the rack of ribs every hour with the marinade you made earlier. This will ensure that your spare ribs are tender and juicy!
Slow Cooker Spare Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 Rack Rack Of Baby Back Ribs
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 1/4 Cup Dark Soy Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Raw Honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
Nutrition
Notes
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
If you loved this slow cooker ribs recipe then you may enjoy the following slow cooker ideas:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Gravy
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Slow Cooker Chili Mac
- Super Easy Slow Cooker Keto Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef