Description
Succulent crockpot barbecue ribs promise a mouthwatering journey through tender, fall-off-the-bone meat bathed in rich, smoky sauce. Slow-cooked perfection brings comfort and flavor right to your dinner table, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) baby back ribs
Liquid and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Carefully strip the protective membrane from the backside of the ribs, exposing the meat surface.
- Create a robust spice blend, thoroughly massaging salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper across both sides of the ribs.
- Position the seasoned ribs vertically inside the crockpot, leaning them against the interior walls to maximize cooking space.
- Whisk together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water in a mixing bowl until the ingredients form a smooth, cohesive mixture.
- Generously pour the sauce over the ribs, ensuring complete and even coverage of the meat.
- Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook at low temperature for 6-8 hours, allowing the ribs to become exceptionally tender and develop rich flavors.
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) during the final cooking stage, preparing for caramelization.
- Carefully transfer the cooked ribs onto a foil-lined baking sheet, maintaining their structural integrity.
- Liberally brush additional barbecue sauce across the rib surface for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, watching for bubbling sauce and slight charring.
- Remove from oven, allow a brief resting period, and serve immediately with complementary sauce on the side.
Notes
- Optimize membrane removal by using a paper towel to grip and peel it off cleanly from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness.
- Adjust spice blend for dietary preferences by reducing or eliminating cayenne for milder flavor or using low-sodium alternatives for health-conscious eaters.
- Enhance sauce complexity by experimenting with different barbecue sauce varieties like smoky chipotle, honey bourbon, or spicy Korean-style for unique flavor profiles.
- Prevent dry ribs by ensuring sauce covers meat completely and checking moisture levels midway through slow cooking, adding a splash of liquid if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg