If you're craving something that's finger-licking good and incredibly easy to make, these Zesty Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ribs are for you. Picture this: fall-off-the-bone tender ribs bathed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. It's the perfect recipe for a lazy weekend or when you want to impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen.
The star of the show is, of course, the pork baby back ribs. They're tender and juicy, perfect for slow cooking. The honey gives a natural sweetness, while soy sauce adds depth and umami. A touch of hoisin sauce brings a hint of Asian flair. Minced garlic is a must for that aromatic punch. A splash of apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness with acidity, and Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess. Seasoning with black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper rounds out the flavors with a bit of heat and smokiness. To thicken the sauce, you'll use cornstarch mixed with water. Optional sesame seeds and green onions add a final flourish.
These ribs are fantastic with a side of creamy coleslaw or some garlic mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try pairing them with a simple green salad. If you're feeling adventurous, serve them with steamed buns for a fun, Asian-inspired twist.
First things first, let's prep those ribs. You'll want to remove the silver skin from the back. This step is important because it helps the meat cook more evenly and absorb all those wonderful flavors. Season the ribs with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne—just enough to give it a little kick.
Next, grab a medium bowl and whisk together your sauce ingredients. You’ll combine honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. It should be a lovely, sticky mixture that smells absolutely divine.
Place the seasoned ribs into your slow cooker, and pour that beautiful sauce all over them. Make sure they're well coated so every bite is full of flavor. Cover and set your slow cooker to low. Now, walk away and let it work its magic for 6-7 hours. The ribs will slowly become tender and irresistible.
Once the ribs are ready, carefully remove them—you don't want them to fall apart just yet! Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer on medium heat. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. This will thicken it up nicely in about 2-3 minutes.
Finally, brush the thickened sauce generously over the ribs. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle on some sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a bit of crunch and color. Serve right away with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Share