Slow Cooker Ribs

INTRODUCTION

Slow Cooker Ribs are a delicious way to enjoy tender and flavorful meat right from your kitchen. Cooking ribs in a slow cooker makes them juicy and full of tasty goodness. The slow-cooking process easily breaks down the meat, making it fall right off the bone. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can prepare a meal that will impress your family and friends.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love this Slow Cooker Ribs recipe. First, it is easy to make. You do not need advanced cooking skills. Just follow a few steps, and you will have a fantastic meal. Second, slow cooking makes the ribs incredibly tender. The long cooking time allows the flavors to blend perfectly. Third, you can prepare the ribs ahead of time. Just set your slow cooker, and it will do all the work for you. Finally, these ribs are great for parties, gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. Once you try them, you will want to make them again and again!

HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER RIBS

Making Slow Cooker Ribs takes a few simple steps. Follow the directions carefully, and you will have delicious ribs for dinner.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before you start, gather the following equipment:

• A 6-quart slow cooker
• A cleaning towel or paper towels
• A cutting board
• A knife
• A small bowl for mixing spices
• A saucepan for the barbecue sauce
• A wire rack for broiling

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 3 to 3 1/2 lbs pork baby back ribs
• 1 tsp ancho chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Barbecue sauce or 1 cup store-bought
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 Tbsp molasses
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar (dark or light)
• 2 Tbsp steak sauce
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp prepared yellow mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp natural liquid hickory smoke flavor
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 tsp chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. First, remove the membrane layer from the back of the ribs. This step is important because it helps the ribs cook better and absorb flavors.
2. If the ribs are too wide for your slow cooker, cut them in half.
3. Rinse the ribs under cold water, then dab them dry with a towel.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the ancho chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture on both sides of the ribs for great flavor.
5. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the slow cooker. This water helps to keep the ribs moist as they cook.
6. Place the seasoned ribs over the water in the slow cooker. If you have cut the ribs in half, layer them as needed.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 1/2 to 7 hours. Check for doneness; the ribs should be very tender.
8. Once cooked, preheat your broiler to high heat.
9. Carefully transfer the ribs to a wire rack placed on a baking sheet.
10. Brush the ribs with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and gets nice and sticky.
11. Turn the ribs, brush with another 1/2 cup of sauce, and broil again for another 2 to 3 minutes.
12. Serve the ribs warm. Enjoy the tender, juicy goodness!

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HOW TO SERVE SLOW COOKER RIBS

When it’s time to serve your Slow Cooker Ribs, place them on a large platter. You can garnish the platter with fresh herbs or green onions for a touch of color. Serve additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. These ribs are great with coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread.

STORAGE & FREEZING : SLOW COOKER RIBS

If you have leftovers, store the ribs in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the ribs. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Slow Cooker Ribs go well with many side dishes. Here are some suggestions:

• Coleslaw for a crunchy texture.
• Baked beans for a hearty addition.
• Cornbread to soak up extra sauce.
• Grilled vegetables for a healthier option.
• Macaroni and cheese for a comforting classic.

VARIATIONS

You can easily make this recipe your own. Here are some fun variations:

• Spicy Ribs: Add more chipotle chili powder for an extra kick.
• Sweet and Tangy: Mix in additional brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
• Smoky Flavor: Increase the hickory smoke flavor for a deep smoky taste.
• Different Meats: Try using beef ribs or pork spare ribs for a change.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen ribs?
A: Yes, you can. However, it is better to thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking for even cooking.

Q2: Can I cook the ribs on high heat instead?
A: Yes, you can cook them on high for about 3 to 4 hours. However, slow cooking on low gives the best flavor and tenderness.

Q3: What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
A: You can cook these ribs in a regular oven. Wrap them in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 3 hours.

Q4: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
A: Yes! Using store-bought BBQ sauce is perfectly fine. Just choose one that you enjoy to make your ribs even tastier.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR SLOW COOKER RIBS

You can prepare a few parts of the Slow Cooker Ribs ahead of time to make things easier. Mix the spices and rub them on the ribs the night before. Place the seasoned ribs in a covered dish and store them in the fridge. You can also make the barbecue sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When you are ready to serve, simply pop the ribs into the slow cooker, and they will be ready for dinner without any rush!

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Ribs recipe, and savor every delicious bite!

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