Succulent Slow Cooked Ribs

Name: Succulent Slow Cooked Ribs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 lbs pork ribs; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 8 hours

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Succulent Slow Cooked Ribs are a game-changer for any home cook looking to impress with minimal effort. This recipe combines a perfect balance of spices and a slow cooking method that results in fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Get ready to enjoy ribs that are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying!

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Ingredients for Succulent Slow Cooked Ribs

The star of our dish, of course, is the pork ribs. They provide the rich, meaty foundation that transforms with our slow-cooking magic. For the spice rub, we use paprika for its sweet peppery flavor and vibrant color. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth and savory notes, while salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning. A hint of cayenne pepper introduces just a touch of heat. The olive oil is for searing the ribs, which locks in flavor. The sauce comes together with barbecue sauce for its tangy, smoky essence, apple cider vinegar for a balancing acidity, and brown sugar to enhance sweetness and caramelization.

Tips & Tricks

For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
To test for doneness, use a fork to gently twist the meat; if it comes off easily, you’re ready to go.
For a crispy finish, pop the ribs under a broiler for a few minutes after cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside baked potatoes or cornbread. A cold beer or a glass of iced tea complements the smoky flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork ribs?: Yes, you can substitute beef ribs, but you might need to adjust cooking times based on the thickness.
How can I store leftovers?: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicy?: To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue mixture.

Succulent Slow Cooked Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing the ribs. You’ll want to remove that pesky membrane on the back. Just use a knife to loosen it, then grab a paper towel to pull it off. It can be slippery, but it’s worth the effort for better flavor absorption.

Mix together your spice rub ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture all over the ribs, making sure you cover every nook and cranny. This is what brings out the robust flavor.

Next, heat up some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear those ribs for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice brown crust, which seals in the juices and enhances the flavor.

Transfer the seared ribs to your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are nicely coated. Cover and set your slow cooker on low. Let them cook for 6-8 hours, or until they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.

Once they’re done, carefully remove the ribs and place them on a platter. Serve them up with some extra barbecue sauce for dipping, and enjoy the compliments!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation: The slow cooker does most of the work.
Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to scale up.
Rich and smoky flavors: A tantalizing spice rub and sauce combination.
Minimal cleanup: Simple prep with just two bowls and a skillet.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork ribs

1 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

3. Rub the spice mixture onto the ribs thoroughly.

4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the ribs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.

5. Place the ribs into the slow cooker.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.

7. Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.

8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.