How To Cook Spare Ribs Crock Pot

ByLily

Using a crock pot for spare ribs lets you set it and forget it until dinner time. If you want to know how to cook spare ribs crock pot style, you are in the right place. This method gives you tender meat that falls off the bone without much work.

You don’t need a smoker or grill. A slow cooker does the heavy lifting. Just add your ribs, a simple rub, and a little liquid. Then walk away for a few hours.

Below is a full guide. You will get prep steps, cooking times, and tips for better flavor. Let’s get started.

Why Use A Crock Pot For Spare Ribs

Spare ribs are a tough cut. They need low, slow heat to get tender. A crock pot is perfect for this. It holds a steady temperature for hours.

You also free up your oven and stove. That helps on busy days or holidays. Cleanup is easy too. Most inserts are dishwasher safe.

  • No need to watch a grill or smoker
  • Meat stays moist and tender
  • Works with cheap cuts of pork
  • You can cook a large batch at once

How To Cook Spare Ribs Crock Pot

This is the main event. Follow these steps for the best results. You will need about 15 minutes of prep time.

What You Will Need

  • 2 to 3 pounds of pork spare ribs
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar or water

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 sliced onion
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne for heat

Step 1: Prep The Ribs

Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the rub stick. Remove the thin membrane on the back of the rack if it is still there. Slide a knife under it and pull it off.

Cut the rack into 2 or 3 smaller pieces. They will fit better in the crock pot. You can also leave it whole if your cooker is large enough.

Step 2: Make The Dry Rub

Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the ribs. Cover both sides well.

You can cook right away. But for deeper flavor, let the ribs sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. That step is optional.

Step 3: Load The Crock Pot

Place the ribs in the slow cooker. Stand them up against the sides if needed. You want them to fit in a single layer or slightly stacked.

Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top if you are using them. Pour the apple cider vinegar or water into the bottom. This creates steam that keeps the meat moist.

Do not add the barbecue sauce yet. Save it for later. Cooking ribs in sauce the whole time can make them too soft and mushy.

Step 4: Set The Cook Time

Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. Or cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Low and slow gives the best texture.

Do not lift the lid during cooking. That lets heat escape and adds time. Just trust the process.

Step 5: Check For Tenderness

After the cook time, test the meat with a fork. It should twist easily and pull away from the bone. If it is still tough, cook for another 30 to 60 minutes on low.

Every crock pot runs a bit different. So use the times as a guide, not a rule.

Step 6: Add The Sauce And Finish

Carefully remove the ribs from the crock pot. They will be very tender, so use a spatula or tongs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Brush your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs. You can serve them now, or finish them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. That gives a sticky, caramelized top.

If you skip the broiler, just brush on warm sauce before serving. Both ways taste great.

Tips For Better Crock Pot Spare Ribs

  • Trim excess fat before cooking. Too much fat makes the sauce greasy.
  • Use a liner for fast cleanup. Or spray the insert with cooking spray.
  • Do not add too much liquid. The ribs release their own juices.
  • For a smoky flavor, add a drop of liquid smoke. A little goes a long way.
  • Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Many people add sauce at the start. That is a mistake. Sugar in the sauce can burn or turn bitter over long cooking. Add it at the end instead.

Another mistake is overcooking. Ribs can go from tender to falling apart. Check them at the low end of the time range. If they shred when you pick them up, they are done.

Also, do not crowd the pot. If you pile in too many ribs, they steam instead of cook evenly. Use a bigger cooker or cut the recipe in half.

Serving Ideas

These ribs go well with classic sides. Try coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans. A simple green salad balances the rich meat.

You can also shred the leftover meat for sandwiches. Pile it on a bun with extra sauce and pickles. It makes a quick lunch the next day.

Storing And Reheating

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They last for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place them in a covered dish with a splash of water. Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Or use the microwave in short bursts.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to cook spare ribs crock pot style. It is one of the easiest ways to get tender, flavorful ribs at home. The slow cooker does most of the work for you.

Pick your favorite rub and sauce. Then let the crock pot handle the rest. You will get great results with very little effort.

Similar Posts