These easy slow cooker baby back ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Just season them, pop them in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. 🍖
Every time I make these ribs, they disappear so fast I wonder if we’ve got a barbecue ghost! I always serve them with coleslaw for a perfect meal. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: The star of the dish! If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could also use pork loin ribs, but they may not be as tender. Baby back ribs have the perfect meat-to-bone ratio.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the ribs. If you want to cut sugar, coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute could be used instead, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Paprika: Regular paprika gives color, while smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, more regular paprika works fine, but the flavor will be different.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make a homemade version. For a sugar-free option, try a sugar-free barbecue sauce, or even a spicy mustard sauce for a tangy twist.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds some acidity to balance the sweetness. Lemon juice serves as a good substitute. You want that little tang to enhance flavor!
How Do I Remove the Silver Skin from Ribs?
Removing the silver skin is important for tenderness. Here’s how to do it:
- Flip the ribs meat-side down on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, wrest the knife under the thin membrane at one end.
- Grab the membrane with a paper towel for a better grip and gently pull it off. It should come off in one piece!
This step creates more tender ribs, enabling the spices to penetrate better as well!
Why Should I Broil the Ribs After Slow Cooking?
Broiling the ribs is optional but highly recommended. Here’s why:
- It caramelizes the sugar in the barbecue sauce, adding a delicious, slightly charred flavor.
- It creates a beautiful glaze and adds texture, making the ribs more visually appealing and tasty.
- Just keep an eye on them under the broiler since they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Enjoy your cooking! These ribs are sure to impress everyone at your table!
Easy Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (optional, for added smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep work and then 6 to 8 hours in the slow cooker on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). Plus, if you choose to broil the ribs for a caramelized finish, you’ll need an additional 5 minutes. Total time will vary, but overall it’s a hands-off and simple process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ribs:
Start by removing the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs for more tender results. Simply slide a knife under the membrane at one end and pull it off gently using your fingers or a paper towel for better grip. This will allow the flavors from the rub to penetrate the meat better.
2. Making the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, mixing well to create your flavorful dry rub.
3. Seasoning the Ribs:
Rub the dry spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs. Make sure to cover all areas to ensure each bite is packed with flavor!
4. Placing Ribs in the Slow Cooker:
Now, curl the seasoned ribs into a circular shape and neatly place them in the slow cooker. It’s okay to overlap them if needed; they will shrink as they cook!
5. Adding Liquid:
In a small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce with the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Pour about half of this mixture evenly over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated. Save the rest of the sauce for glazing later.
6. Cooking the Ribs:
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is super tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
7. Optional Glazing:
If you want to elevate your ribs to the next level, preheat your oven’s broiler. Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the ribs and broil for 3-5 minutes, until bubbly and slightly charred. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
8. Serve:
Once the ribs are glazed and caramelized, garnish them with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. Enjoy your tender, flavorful slow cooker baby back ribs!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are ideal for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just note that cooking times might vary; spare ribs may take a bit longer due to their larger size.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice or even red wine vinegar. Each will add a nice acidity to balance out the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
How Can I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or briefly in the microwave.
Can I Make These Ribs Spicier?
Yes! If you want to amp up the heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or swapping in some spicy barbecue sauce. You could even toss in some hot sauce if you like it extra spicy!
