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Easy & Tender Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

Easy & Tender Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

This Easy & Tender Slow Cooker Ribs recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone pork baby back ribs coated in a flavorful homemade spice rub and smothered in rich BBQ sauce. The slow cooking method ensures juicy, tender meat, finished under a hot oven to achieve a deliciously crispy exterior. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner or weekend gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs and Spice Rub

  • 2–3 pounds pork baby back ribs (1 rack)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

BBQ Sauce

  • 2 cups homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Prep: Begin by preparing the 2-3 pounds of pork baby back ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness and pat the ribs dry with a paper towel for better spice adherence.
  2. Mix the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir to create an even spice blend.
  3. Rub the Ribs: Evenly coat the ribs on all sides with the prepared spice rub, massaging the blend into the meat for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Cut the rack of ribs in half for easier placement. Layer half of the ribs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour half of the 2 cups of BBQ sauce over the ribs, then layer the remaining ribs on top. Pour the remaining sauce over the top rack. If the ribs don’t fit flat, you can curve them around the inside of the slow cooker.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook the ribs on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until tender and cooked through.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Once the slow cooking is complete, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for finishing the ribs.
  7. Bake for Crispy Finish: Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the ribs to keep them moist and flavorful. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing the tops to caramelize and crisp up. Brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Removing the membrane improves texture and allows the rub and sauce to penetrate better.
  • You can prepare these ribs the day before and reheat in the oven to preserve tenderness and flavor.
  • Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce or experiment with different spice blends in the rub.
  • For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
  • These ribs can be cooked on HIGH for a quicker option but LOW heat yields the most tender results.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ribs, tender ribs, BBQ ribs, easy pork ribs, slow cooker recipes, barbecue ribs, baby back ribs

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/easy-and-tender-slow-cooker-ribs-recipe/