Are you craving melt-in-your-mouth ribs that are sticky, tender, and bursting with flavor? Look no further! With our easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs recipe, you can let your slow cooker do all the work while you come home to a delicious meal. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs without all the fuss.
The Secret to Incredible Ribs
The secret to the mouthwatering deliciousness of our ribs lies in the marinade. We’ve infused it with a bold kick of garlic to elevate the flavors. While oven-baked ribs are typically our go-to, we’ve found that the slow cooker works wonders in our busy lives. Say goodbye to the oven and hello to the convenience of the slow cooker!
Ribs for Every Season
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs is their versatility. They are perfect for any time of year, making them an all-season favorite. Cooking the ribs in a slow cooker breaks down the connective tissue in the meat, resulting in ribs that are tender and fall-apart. Brushing them with a tantalizing barbecue sauce glaze, infused with garlic and a hint of cayenne (optional), and broiling them for a few minutes creates a charred and crispy exterior that will leave you wanting more.
What Makes Our Ribs Extra Sticky?
The secret to achieving the stickiest glaze and the most charred edges lies in our two-step sauce process. First, we smother the ribs in sauce while they slow cook, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Then, we coat them in sauce once again before placing them under the broiler or on the grill. This results in a mouthwatering glaze that will make your taste buds dance with joy. To enhance the flavor even further, we like to pour the juices from the slow cooker bowl into the remaining sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Sauce Ingredients:
- Barbecue sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic
- Brown sugar
- Cayenne (optional) – if you like a nice kick of heat!
Mix all the ingredients together and brush the sauce generously over the ribs.
Cooking Ribs in a Slow Cooker
If you’re wondering how long to cook your ribs for, we’ve got you covered. Depending on the texture you desire, you have two options:
- LOW: 7 HOURS / HIGH: 3 HOURS – Soft ribs that still stay on the bone (as shown in the video below).
- LOW: 9 HOURS / HIGH: 4-5 HOURS – Tender, fall-apart ribs that melt in your mouth like butter (as shown in the image below).
Simply place your ribs in the bowl of a 6-qt slow cooker, pour the sauce all over to evenly coat, and let the slow cooker do its magic. Once the ribs are done, transfer them to an oven tray, baste them with more sauce/juice mixture, and broil (or grill) for 5-10 minutes until they are charred and bubbling!
Removing the Membrane for Better Flavor
Before cooking, we recommend removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Although it’s not essential, removing the membrane allows the sauce to be better absorbed into the meat, enhancing the overall flavor.
To remove the membrane, slide a fork or a blunt knife under the membrane at one end of the rack, over a bone. Lift the membrane off the bone until it begins to tear. Use a paper towel to grab hold of the edge of the membrane and pull it off. It may come off in one piece or tear into smaller pieces. (Check out the video below for a demonstration.)
Fall in Love with Pork
If you’re a pork lover, you must try these recipes too:
- Pork Chops With Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Easy Honey Garlic Pork Carnitas
See Our Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs in Action!
Want to see how easy it is to make our Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs? Check out the video below for a step-by-step guide.
Remember, for the best Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill. We guarantee a finger-licking experience that will leave you wanting more!