Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork short ribs? Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
Slow cooking these succulent ribs in a flavorful sauce will result in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want a comforting meal on a chilly night, this recipe is sure to please.
In this article, we’ll show you how to prepare and cook pork short ribs in a crock pot, with tips and tricks to make them absolutely perfect. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Pork Short Ribs In Crock Pot?
First things first, you’ll need to prepare your pork short ribs. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can easily be done by sliding your fingers around the side to loosen it up and ripping it right off.
Next, you can give the ribs a dry rub for additional flavor, but this step is optional. If you choose to do so, mix together paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Then, spoon the rib rub onto the pork ribs and use your hands to coat them on both sides with the seasoning.
Now it’s time to get your crock pot ready. Spray a 4-5 quart slow cooker with cooking spray and place the ribs inside. In a medium bowl, mix together your choice of barbecue sauce with any additional ingredients you desire, such as brown sugar or bourbon. Pour the sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker.
With the slow cooker set to low, give the ribs about 5-6 hours to fully cook. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high for 3-4 hours instead, but low is preferable for this cut of meat.
Once the ribs are fully cooked and tender, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon over some of the leftover sauce from the crock pot and broil under a broiler for 3-5 minutes until the barbecue sauce starts to bubble and caramelize. Alternatively, you could wrap them in foil and throw them on a heated grill for the same effect.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To cook pork short ribs in a crock pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Pork short ribs
– Salt and pepper
– Paprika
– Cinnamon
– Garlic powder
– Oregano
– Barbecue sauce
– Brown sugar (optional)
– Bourbon (optional)
– Foil
– Cooking spray
These ingredients are all easily accessible at your local grocery store or online. Make sure to choose high-quality pork short ribs for the best flavor and texture. Additionally, feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding in your favorite spices or adjusting the amount of sauce used.
Preparing The Pork Short Ribs
To prepare your pork short ribs for cooking in a crock pot, the first step is to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by sliding your fingers around the side to loosen it up and then ripping it right off.
If you want to add extra flavor, you can give the ribs a dry rub. Mix together paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Spoon the rib rub onto the pork ribs and use your hands to coat them on both sides with the seasoning.
Next, spray a 4-5 quart slow cooker with cooking spray and place the ribs inside. In a medium bowl, mix together your choice of barbecue sauce with any additional ingredients you desire, such as brown sugar or bourbon. Pour the sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker to low and let the ribs cook for 5-6 hours until fully cooked and tender. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high for 3-4 hours instead, but low is preferable for this cut of meat.
Once the ribs are fully cooked and tender, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon over some of the leftover sauce from the crock pot and broil under a broiler for 3-5 minutes until the barbecue sauce starts to bubble and caramelize. Alternatively, you could wrap them in foil and throw them on a heated grill for the same effect.
Making The Flavorful Sauce
To make the flavorful sauce for your pork short ribs, start by mixing together your choice of barbecue sauce with any additional ingredients you desire. Some popular options include brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or bourbon.
For a basic barbecue sauce, you can mix together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences and mix well.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or honey. If you like a smoky flavor, add some liquid smoke.
Once you’ve mixed together your sauce ingredients, pour it over the pork ribs in the crock pot and let it cook low and slow for several hours. The flavors will meld together and infuse into the meat for a delicious and tender result.
If you want to thicken the sauce or make it more concentrated in flavor, strain the juices from the crock pot through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the mixture has reduced to 2 cups.
To serve, spoon the flavorful sauce over the ribs or use it as a dipping sauce on the side. With this delicious and easy-to-make sauce recipe, your pork short ribs will be bursting with flavor!
Combining The Ribs And Sauce In The Crock Pot
To combine the ribs and sauce in the crock pot, start by placing the prepared ribs inside the slow cooker. Then, mix together your desired barbecue sauce with any additional ingredients you want to add, such as hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the sauce over the ribs in the crock pot, making sure to coat them evenly on both sides. You can use a spoon or tongs to spread the sauce around if needed.
Cover the crock pot with a lid and set it to low heat. Let the ribs cook for 5-6 hours until they are fully cooked and tender. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high heat for 3-4 hours instead, but keep in mind that low heat is preferable for this cut of meat.
Once the ribs are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the crock pot and transfer them to a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon over some of the leftover sauce from the crock pot and broil under a broiler for 3-5 minutes until the barbecue sauce starts to bubble and caramelize. Alternatively, you could wrap them in foil and throw them on a heated grill for the same effect.
By combining the ribs and sauce in the crock pot, you allow the flavors to meld together and infuse into the meat, resulting in deliciously tender and flavorful pork short ribs.
Cooking And Serving The Pork Short Ribs
Now that your pork short ribs are fully cooked and caramelized, it’s time to serve them up. The meat should be falling off the bone, making it easy to serve and enjoy.
To serve, transfer the ribs to a serving platter and spoon over any remaining sauce from the crock pot. You can also garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added flavor and presentation.
These pork short ribs pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw. They also make for a great addition to any barbecue or potluck.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place them in a 300°F oven, wrapped in foil, for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Pork Short Ribs Every Time
1. Choose the right cut of pork short ribs: When it comes to pork short ribs, you have two options: baby back or spare ribs. Baby back ribs are leaner and contain more meat, while spare ribs are fattier and have more bone. Both types of ribs can be used interchangeably, but it’s important to choose the right cut based on your preference and cooking method.
2. Slow and low is the way to go: Pork short ribs require a slow and low cooking method to become tender and flavorful. Whether you’re using a crock pot, smoker, or grill, make sure to cook your ribs at a low temperature for several hours. This will allow the fat and collagen to break down and infuse the meat with flavor.
3. Use a dry rub for extra flavor: While it’s not necessary, using a dry rub can add extra flavor to your pork short ribs. Mix together your favorite spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, and oregano, and rub them onto the ribs before cooking.
4. Don’t overcook your ribs: Overcooked pork short ribs can become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ribs are cooked to the proper temperature (195-203°F), but be careful not to overcook them. The meat should be tender and juicy, but still hold its shape when bitten into.
5. Finish with a sauce: Adding a sauce to your pork short ribs can take them to the next level. Whether you prefer a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce or a spicy rub, make sure to add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will allow the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful glaze on the ribs.
6. Let the ribs rest before serving: Once your pork short ribs are cooked to perfection, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensure that every bite is tender and flavorful.
7. Experiment with different flavors: While traditional barbecue flavors are always delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, sauces, and marinades. Try adding Asian-inspired flavors like soy sauce and ginger or Mexican-inspired flavors like cumin and chili powder for a unique twist on classic pork short ribs.