Description
Mouthwatering Crockpot Barbecue Ribs bring classic American comfort to your dinner table. Tender meat falls off the bone with rich, smoky flavors that satisfy hungry guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs (1.4–1.8 kg) pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- ½ cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups (480 ml) barbecue sauce, divided
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly cleanse the rack of ribs, eliminating the silvery membrane from the back using a sharp knife. Ensure complete dryness with kitchen towels.
- Seasoning: Blend salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne into a potent spice mixture. Massage the aromatic rub comprehensively across every surface of the meat.
- Slow Cooking: Arrange seasoned ribs vertically inside the crockpot, allowing natural curvature. Pour apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce to create a flavor-rich braising liquid that will tenderize the meat during cooking.
- Cooking Process: Cover crockpot and simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender and begins separating from the bone effortlessly.
- Finishing Touch: Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Generously coat with additional barbecue sauce and sprinkle brown sugar for a caramelized exterior.
- Broiling: Position oven rack near the top and activate broiler at 450F. Crisp the ribs for 5-7 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a glossy, slightly charred surface without burning.
- Serving: Slice ribs between bones and plate attractively. Serve with complementary barbecue sauce on the side for enhanced flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Membrane Removal Technique: Completely remove the silvery membrane from ribs’ backside to guarantee maximum tenderness and allow seasonings to penetrate deeply.
- Spice Blend Precision: Ensure even, thorough massaging of spice mixture into every meat surface, creating a consistent flavor profile and preventing bland spots.
- Moisture Management: Keep ribs moist during slow cooking by maintaining a liquid base of apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce, preventing dryness and enhancing meat’s natural tenderness.
- Broiling Caution: Monitor ribs closely during final broiling stage, aiming for caramelized exterior without burning; rotate and adjust distance from heat source to achieve perfect glazed finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (crockpot) + 5-7 minutes (broil)
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg