Are you a fan of juicy, tender pork spare ribs but don’t have the time or equipment to smoke them for hours on end?
Fear not, because your trusty crock pot can come to the rescue!
Slow cooking spare ribs in a crock pot is a foolproof way to achieve fall-off-the-bone meat that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a hands-off method that allows you to set it and forget it until dinnertime.
In this article, we’ll explore different recipes and techniques for cooking pork spare ribs in a crock pot, so you can enjoy this classic dish with minimal effort.
Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests!
How To Cook Pork Spare Ribs In Crock Pot?
First things first, it’s important to prepare your spare ribs before placing them in the crock pot.
One common step is to remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by sliding your fingers around the side to loosen it up and ripping it right off. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat more evenly and make for a more tender end result.
Next, you can choose to apply a dry rub for additional flavor. This step is optional, but many people enjoy the added depth of flavor that a good dry rub can provide.
Once your ribs are prepped, it’s time to place them in the crock pot. You can add onions, garlic, or other aromatics for extra flavor, and a touch of water or broth to keep things moist.
Cooking times can vary depending on your crock pot and the amount of ribs you’re cooking, but a general rule of thumb is to cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3-5 hours.
When your ribs are tender and falling off the bone, it’s time to finish them off with a quick broil or grill to get a little bit of char and caramelization on the outside. Brush with your favorite sauce (homemade or store-bought) and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and caramelized.
Choosing The Right Ribs For Crock Pot Cooking
When it comes to choosing the right ribs for crock pot cooking, there are a few things to keep in mind. The two most common types of pork ribs are baby back ribs and spare ribs.
Baby back ribs are leaner and have less bone and fat, making them the most tender and popular choice for many people. They are also smaller in size, which makes them easier to fit into a crock pot.
Spare ribs, on the other hand, are larger and meatier with more fat and bone. They can be a bit tougher than baby back ribs, but they are also more flavorful. If you prefer a little bit of chew to your ribs, spare ribs may be the way to go.
St. Louis style ribs are another option, which are trimmed down spare ribs with the brisket bone removed. These can be a good compromise between the meatiness of spare ribs and the tenderness of baby back ribs.
Ultimately, the choice of which type of rib to use in your crock pot comes down to personal preference. Regardless of which type you choose, be sure to follow the preparation steps outlined above and cook low and slow for the best results.
Preparing The Ribs For Slow Cooking
To prepare your pork spare ribs for slow cooking, start by removing the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by sliding your fingers around the side to loosen it up and ripping it right off. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat more evenly and make for a more tender end result.
Next, you can choose to apply a dry rub for additional flavor. This step is optional, but many people enjoy the added depth of flavor that a good dry rub can provide. To make a simple dry rub, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly on top of the ribs.
Once your ribs are prepped, it’s time to place them in the crock pot. You can add onions, garlic, or other aromatics for extra flavor, and a touch of water or broth to keep things moist. If you’re using a store-bought sauce, you can add it now or save it for later.
Cooking times can vary depending on your crock pot and the amount of ribs you’re cooking, but a general rule of thumb is to cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3-5 hours. It’s important to check on your ribs occasionally to make sure they’re not overcooking or drying out.
When your ribs are tender and falling off the bone, it’s time to finish them off with a quick broil or grill to get a little bit of char and caramelization on the outside. Brush with your favorite sauce (homemade or store-bought) and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. This step will give your ribs that classic BBQ flavor and texture that we all love.
Seasoning And Flavoring Options
When it comes to seasoning and flavoring your pork spare ribs in the crock pot, the options are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Dry Rub: A dry rub is a mixture of spices that is rubbed onto the meat before cooking. It can include ingredients such as smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground mustard. Rub this mixture generously over the outside of the ribs to coat before placing them in the crock pot.
2. Smoky Flavor: If you like the smoky flavor that you usually get with smoked BBQ ribs, use smoked paprika in the dry rub seasoning!
3. Sweet and Spicy: For a sweet and spicy flavor, mix brown sugar, chili powder, and paprika together and rub it onto the ribs.
4. Tangy: If you prefer a tangy flavor, add apple cider vinegar or tomato paste to your crock pot with the ribs.
5. Asian-Inspired: For an Asian-inspired flavor, mix Chinese five-spice and garlic powder together and rub it onto the ribs. Toss some jalapeño rings into the bottom of the slow cooker, and add rice vinegar and coconut aminos for a flavorful liquid base.
Remember, seasoning is all about personal preference – feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings until you find your perfect combination!
Cooking The Ribs In The Crock Pot
Cooking spare ribs in a crock pot is a convenient and easy way to achieve tender and juicy meat. To get started, remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs to allow for better flavor penetration.
Next, apply a dry rub if desired for added flavor. Once your ribs are prepped, place them in the crock pot with onions, garlic, or other aromatics and a touch of water or broth to keep them moist.
Cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3-5 hours, depending on your crock pot and the amount of ribs you’re cooking. When the ribs are tender and falling off the bone, it’s time to finish them off with a quick broil or grill.
Brush your favorite sauce (homemade or store-bought) onto the ribs and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. This will add a delicious char and caramelization to the outside of the meat.
Adding Sauce And Finishing Touches
Adding sauce and finishing touches is the final step to making your crock pot pork spare ribs truly delicious. There are a few different options for adding sauce and finishing touches, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you.
One option is to use a prepared barbecue sauce. Drizzle the sauce over the ribs in the crock pot before cooking, or brush it on during the final broiling or grilling step. Another option is to make your own sauce using a combination of sweet and savory ingredients like brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
To make a sticky sauce, whisk together ginger, pepper, onion powder, garlic, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and honey in a medium-sized dish. Reserve half of the mixture for later and pour the other half into the slow cooker with the ribs. Cook the ribs for 6-8 hours on low heat until they’re tender. Then remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a foil-lined broil pan with the meaty side up. Brush some sauce from the slow cooker on top of the ribs and broil until the edges start to look crisp and broiled.
If you want a little extra kick of flavor, you can also add some hoisin sauce to your barbecue glaze. Mix barbecue sauce and hoisin sauce in a 1:1 ratio (or whatever ratio you prefer) and brush it on during the final broiling or grilling step.
No matter which sauce you choose, be sure to brush it on generously during the final step to get that sticky, caramelized coating that makes pork spare ribs so irresistible. Don’t forget to serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping!
Serving Suggestions And Pairings
Now that you have your perfectly cooked pork spare ribs, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them. Here are some delicious ideas for side dishes and pairings:
1. Baked Beans: A classic side dish for barbecue, baked beans with ground beef and bacon is a hearty and delicious option that pairs perfectly with pork spare ribs.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw can help cut through the richness of the ribs. Try a classic creamy coleslaw or a tangy vinegar-based slaw.
3. Cornbread: Sweet and savory cornbread is a Southern staple that pairs perfectly with barbecue. Serve it warm with a pat of butter on top.
4. Mac and Cheese: A creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a side dish or even mix it in with your pulled pork for a delicious twist.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are a healthy and flavorful option that can balance out the richness of the ribs.
6. Beer: A cold beer is the perfect beverage to wash down your ribs. Try a light lager or a hoppy IPA to complement the flavors of the barbecue.
Remember, when it comes to serving suggestions and pairings, there are no hard and fast rules. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find what works best for you and your guests.