Savory Slow Cooker Ginger-Glazed Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 7 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Let me introduce you to a game-changer for your dinner menu: Savory Slow Cooker Ginger-Glazed Ribs. This recipe is perfect for those days when you want something rich and comforting without spending all day in the kitchen. The magic happens in the slow cooker, leaving you with tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs infused with a sweet and spicy glaze.

Ingredients for Savory Slow Cooker Ginger-Glazed Ribs

Pork ribs are the star of the show, offering a hearty and succulent base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully. Soy sauce adds depth and umami, while the brown sugar and honey provide a delightful sweetness that glazes the ribs perfectly. Fresh ginger and garlic bring a punch of flavor and warmth, balanced by the heat of black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Rice vinegar introduces a slight tang, rounding out the sauce. Finally, the cornstarch thickens the glaze to a perfect consistency, while scallions and sesame seeds add a fresh, crunchy garnish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight in the fridge before cooking.
  • If you like a bit more heat, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
  • Use a baster to easily transfer the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to the saucepan.
  • For a smokier flavor, finish the ribs under a broiler for a few minutes after glazing.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or garlic mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious glaze. For a fresh contrast, serve alongside a simple cucumber salad or lightly steamed broccoli. If you’re feeling adventurous, try them with a side of kimchi for a Korean-inspired twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as beef ribs might take a bit longer to become tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven to keep them tender.
Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute for a similar tangy flavor.

Savory Slow Cooker Ginger-Glazed Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your pork ribs into the slow cooker. Don’t worry about being too neat here; just make sure they fit comfortably. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, and water. Give it all a good stir until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.

Pour this flavorful concoction over the ribs, ensuring they’re well-coated. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 to 7 hours. You'll know they're ready when the ribs are tender and almost falling off the bone.

Once the ribs are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and set them aside. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. While that’s happening, make a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a little water in a small bowl. Pour this slurry into the boiling sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens to a glossy glaze.

Brush this thickened sauce generously over the ribs, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. For the final touch, sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds just before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless cooking: Minimal prep work with maximum flavor.
  • Perfect balance: Sweet, savory, and spicy all in one bite.
  • Slow cooker magic: Set it and forget it until dinner time.
  • Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork ribs
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup scallions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place the pork ribs in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, and water.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until ribs are tender.
5. Remove ribs and set aside.
6. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
8. Add the slurry to the boiling sauce, stirring until thickened.
9. Brush the thickened sauce over the ribs before serving.
10. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds before serving.

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