Slow Cooker Southern BBQ Pork Ribs

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 7 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Nothing beats the tender, smoky flavor of Southern-style BBQ pork ribs, and with a slow cooker, you can achieve that mouthwatering taste with minimal effort. This recipe allows you to enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs without firing up the grill.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Southern BBQ Pork Ribs

Pork ribs are the star of the dish, offering a meaty texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. Choose country-style ribs for more meat and tenderness.

BBQ sauce provides the sweet, tangy base. Use your favorite brand or homemade version for a personal touch.

Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Brown sugar contributes a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.

Smoked paprika infuses a smoky depth, essential for BBQ flavor.

Garlic powder and onion powder offer a savory foundation, enriching the taste.

Black pepper and cayenne pepper add a touch of heat. Adjust the cayenne to control the spice level.

Water helps distribute the sauce evenly, ensuring moist ribs.

And finally, salt enhances all other flavors. Season to taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pat the ribs dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the ribs overnight in the fridge with the spice rub.
  • If you like your ribs spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mix.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. For a fresh twist, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or roasted vegetables. A cold, tangy potato salad also makes for a perfect companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby back ribs instead?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as baby back ribs are usually smaller and may cook faster.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar or even lemon juice can work as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Slow Cooker Southern BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your ribs. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, then season them generously with salt. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper evenly over the ribs, ensuring every side is coated.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely.

Place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure they are well coated. This is where the magic happens — as the ribs cook, they'll soak up all those delicious flavors.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low heat. Let the ribs cook for 6 to 8 hours. You'll know they're done when they're tender and start to pull apart easily with a fork.

If you prefer a caramelized finish, preheat your oven's broiler. Carefully transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes. This step is optional but adds a delightful texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless slow cooking — let the slow cooker do the work.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
  • Customizable spice level with a hint of heat.
  • Minimal prep time required — just season, mix, and cook.
  • Great for gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredients

3 lbs country-style pork ribs
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup water
Salt to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs by seasoning them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and water.
3. Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them ensuring they are well coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
5. For a caramelized finish, optionally transfer ribs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5 minutes before serving.

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