These Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Just season them, toss them in the slow cooker, and let them cook low and slow!
Nothing beats the smell of ribs cooking all day. I love to dig in with my fingers and get saucy. Who needs fancy utensils? 😄 Pair them with coleslaw, and you’re set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are meaty and tender, perfect for slow cooking. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs work too, though they might need a bit longer to cook.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce for the best flavor. Barbecue sauce varies a lot, so feel free to swap it for honey mustard or even teriyaki sauce for a different twist!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tanginess. You can substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand. It’ll still provide that acidity you need.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work well. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute it with a small amount of honey or maple syrup.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give depth to the flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder will do, but the smoked variety adds a unique touch.
How Do I Get Tender Ribs In a Slow Cooker?
Getting tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in a slow cooker is all about time and technique. Here’s how to achieve that perfect tenderness:
- Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps them absorb flavor and become more tender.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels before adding the marinade. Damp ribs can steam rather than cook properly.
- Coat the ribs generously with the barbecue mixture, ensuring every bit is covered.
- Slow cook on low for the best results. Low and slow is key—this breaks down the collagen in the meat.
- For a caramelized finish, broil the ribs quickly after slow cooking. This adds a lovely texture and flavor contrast.
How to Make Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then a slow cooking period of 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. After cooking, if you decide to caramelize the tops, it will take an additional 10 minutes in the oven. So, you can plan for a delicious meal to be ready after a good day of cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
Start by carefully removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps them become more tender. Then, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Mix the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth.
3. Coat the Ribs:
Place the ribs in your slow cooker. Pour half of the barbecue marinade over the ribs, making sure they’re well coated. Flip them over if needed to soak in all that yummy flavor.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know the ribs are ready when they’re tender and practically falling off the bone!
5. Caramelize the Sauce:
If you like a caramelized top, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once your ribs are cooked, carefully take them out of the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the top and place them under the broiler for about 5-10 minutes until the top is nice and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
6. Serve:
After caramelizing, let the ribs rest for a few minutes. Then, slice them up, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your mouthwatering slow cooker baby back ribs!
Can I Use Other Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs instead of baby back ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Spare ribs might require a bit more cooking time since they are thicker.
Can I Substitute the Barbecue Sauce?
Yes, you can use any barbecue sauce you like or even make your own! If you opt for a homemade sauce, just ensure it has a good balance of sweet and tangy flavors similar to what store-bought sauces offer.
How to Store Leftover Ribs
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags to avoid freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Cook These Ribs on High Speed?
Yes, you can cook them on high for 4-5 hours if you’re short on time. However, the ribs will be even more tender if you cook them on low for 6-8 hours. Just check the tenderness before serving to ensure they’re to your liking!
