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Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

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A no-fuss slow cooker recipe for tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce and optional broil finish for a caramelized crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs if not already done. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder if using. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Brush ribs lightly with olive oil. Rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat.
  4. Coil the ribs around the slow cooker, meat side facing up. Overlapping slightly is fine.
  5. Pour barbecue sauce evenly over the ribs, then drizzle with apple cider vinegar. Spread around with a spoon or brush.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until ribs are tender and meat starts pulling away from the bones.
  7. Optional: Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet, spoon extra sauce over ribs, and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and slightly charred. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Let ribs rest a few minutes before cutting between the bones and serving.

Notes

Remove the membrane for better flavor absorption and tenderness. The broiler finish is optional but adds a sticky, caramelized crust. Cooking times may vary by slow cooker; check tenderness at 6 hours and adjust as needed. Use gluten-free barbecue sauce for gluten-free diet. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ribs, BBQ ribs, pork ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs, easy ribs recipe, barbecue sauce, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/tender-slow-cooker-bbq-ribs-recipe-5-steps-for-fall-off-the-bone-goodness/