These slow cooker ribs are the best — they turn out perfect every time! They cook in a crockpot until tender, then are covered with barbeque sauce and finished in the oven for fall-apart ribs. Perfect for during the week as the slow cooker does most of the work!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby back ribs, trimmed
- salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup water
- ½ onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (18 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce
Directions
Step 1:
Season ribs with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Pour 1/2 cup water into the slow cooker, then add ribs. Scatter onion and garlic over top. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
Step 3:
When the ribs are almost finished, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Step 4:
Transfer ribs from the slow cooker to a baking sheet; discard onion and garlic. Coat ribs with barbeque sauce.
Step 5:
Bake ribs in the preheated oven until sauce caramelizes and sticks to meat, 10 to 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the secret to perfectly tender ribs in the slow cooker?
A: Low and slow is the key! Set your slow cooker to a low temperature for a longer duration to achieve that fall-off-the-bone goodness.
Q2: Can I use other types of ribs with this method?
A: Absolutely! This slow cooker method works well with spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs too.
Q3: Should I remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking?
A: It’s recommended. Removing the membrane allows for better seasoning penetration and results in more tender ribs.
Q4: How long should I cook the ribs in the slow cooker?
A: Cooking times may vary, but generally, 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high should do the trick.
Q5: Can I use any rub or sauce for seasoning?
A: Yes! Choose your favorite rub or sauce to customize the flavor. Experimenting with different combinations can be deliciously rewarding.
Q6: Can I finish the ribs on the grill after slow cooking?
A: Absolutely! Finishing the ribs on the grill for a few minutes adds a delightful smokiness and caramelization.
Q7: How do I prevent the ribs from sticking to the slow cooker?
A: A light coating of cooking spray or lining the slow cooker with foil before adding the ribs can help prevent sticking.
Q8: Can I cook frozen ribs in the slow cooker?
A: It’s not recommended. Thawing the ribs before cooking ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
