Are you a fan of tender, juicy ribs that fall off the bone? Look no further than your trusty slow cooker!
With just a few simple steps, you can create mouth-watering bacon ribs that are sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
So grab your slow cooker and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious bacon ribs!
How To Cook Bacon Ribs In Slow Cooker?
To start, line an oven rack with aluminum foil and rinse and pat dry your bacon ribs. Slice the ribs in between the bones to separate them and place them on the oven rack. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle on a homemade seasoning mix, such as a “Coffee & Garlic” rub.
Broil the ribs on high for about 15 minutes, turning once to ensure both sides are browned. Remove the ribs from the oven and set them aside.
Next, dice up an onion and place it in the slow cooker. Core and dice some apples and add them to the slow cooker as well. Place the bacon ribs in the slow cooker and pour BBQ sauce over them. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
While the ribs are cooking, roast some bacon on a wire rack on a baking sheet at 400 degrees until crispy. When the ribs are done, slice the bacon into thin strips and sprinkle it on top.
If you have a smaller slow cooker, you can still make this recipe by cutting the racks of bacon ribs into smaller chunks to fit in the slow cooker. Soak them in cold water for at least 3 hours if you prefer less salty ribs.
Remove the inner skin from the ribs before placing them in the slow cooker. Combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to combine and completely cover with half of the sauce. Season with salt and pepper and cook on low for 7-9 hours or high for 3-5 hours.
When the ribs are tender and falling apart, transfer them onto an oven tray lined with parchment paper. Pour half of the juices from the slow cooker bowl into the remaining sauce. Baste the ribs with half of the sauce and broil in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes or until beginning to char and crisp on the edges.
Ingredients Needed For Bacon Ribs In Slow Cooker
To make delicious bacon ribs in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
– One pack of bacon ribs, chopped into individual ribs
– One onion, diced
– Honey
– Garlic
– Worcestershire sauce
– Soy sauce
– Chinese 5 spice
– Barbecue sauce
– Water
Additionally, if you prefer less salty ribs, you will need to soak the bacon ribs in cold water for at least 3 hours before cooking. You can also add diced apples and crispy bacon as toppings for added flavor and texture.
It’s important to note that if you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to cut the bacon ribs into smaller chunks to fit. However, this won’t affect the overall taste of the dish.
Preparing The Bacon Ribs For Slow Cooking
To prepare the bacon ribs for slow cooking, start by cutting the racks of ribs into smaller chunks that will fit in your slow cooker. If you prefer less salty ribs, soak them in cold water for at least 3 hours before cooking.
Remove the inner skin from the ribs and brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle on a homemade seasoning mix, such as a “Coffee & Garlic” rub, to add flavor to the ribs. Broil the ribs on high for about 15 minutes, turning once to ensure both sides are browned.
Dice up an onion and place it in the slow cooker. Core and dice some apples and add them to the slow cooker as well. Place the bacon ribs in the slow cooker and pour BBQ sauce over them. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
When the ribs are done, transfer them onto an oven tray lined with parchment paper. Pour half of the juices from the slow cooker bowl into a small bowl and mix it with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper. Baste the ribs with half of the sauce and broil in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes or until beginning to char and crisp on the edges.
Finally, slice some bacon into thin strips and sprinkle it on top of the ribs before serving. This will add an extra layer of flavor to your delicious bacon ribs that are almost falling off the bone and perfectly tender.
Slow Cooking The Bacon Ribs
Slow cooking bacon ribs in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender and flavorful meat without having to constantly monitor the cooking process. To start, cut boneless short ribs and bacon in half to fit in the slow cooker. Soak them in cold water for at least 3 hours if you prefer less salty ribs.
Remove the inner skin from the ribs before placing them in the slow cooker. Combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to combine and completely cover with half of the sauce. Season with salt and pepper and cook on low for 7-9 hours or high for 3-5 hours.
When the ribs are tender and falling apart, transfer them onto an oven tray lined with parchment paper. Pour half of the juices from the slow cooker bowl into the remaining sauce. Baste the ribs with half of the sauce and broil in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes or until beginning to char and crisp on the edges.
Alternatively, if you have a smaller slow cooker, you can still make this recipe by cutting the racks of bacon ribs into smaller chunks to fit in the slow cooker. Soak them in cold water for at least 3 hours if you prefer less salty ribs.
Arrange the rack of ribs by standing them on their ends around the edges of the insert. Pour about 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce over the ribs, place the lid onto the slow cooker and set the timer for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Before serving, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and cut into individual ribs. Brush with additional BBQ sauce, about 1/4 cup. Serve on a platter with remaining sauce.
Adding Flavor To The Bacon Ribs
To add flavor to your bacon ribs, it’s essential to season them properly. Start by using a sharp knife to cut diamond scores on the back of the ribs, which will help the seasoning penetrate the meat. Next, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the ribs before rubbing in your preferred barbecue seasoning. For the best bacon ribs recipe, we recommend using honey, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Chinese 5 spice, and barbecue sauce.
Another way to add flavor is by making a homemade bacon jam sauce. In a heavy saucepan over low heat, cook bacon until the fat renders and the bacon starts to brown. Add onions and continue cooking until they are soft and translucent. Add garlic, sage, thyme, smoked paprika, chile powder, cumin, black pepper, ginger, coffee, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a boil. Add ketchup, hot sauce, and bay leaves and simmer until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
To serve, add a dollop of bacon jam on top of each rib for extra flavor. You can also save the juices from the slow cooker or roasting pan to use in other recipes. They’re especially good cooked into greens (mustard or collard), green beans, and other stewed vegetables.
Serving And Enjoying Your Bacon Ribs
Once your bacon ribs are fully cooked and ready to be served, there are a variety of options for how to enjoy them. Here are a few ideas:
1. Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic BBQ meal.
2. Cut the ribs into smaller pieces and use them as a topping for nachos or loaded fries.
3. Make a bacon rib sandwich by placing the ribs between two slices of bread with your favorite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
4. Serve the ribs with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes.
5. For a fun twist, try making bacon rib tacos by wrapping the meat in a tortilla with some salsa, avocado, and shredded cheese.
No matter how you choose to serve your bacon ribs, be sure to savor every bite of their deliciously tender and flavorful meat. And don’t forget to share with friends and family – these ribs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
