There's something undeniably comforting and incredibly flavorful about a slow-cooked meal, especially when it comes to baby back ribs. What may seem like a culinary feat only accomplished by smokehouse pitmasters can actually be recreated right in your own kitchen. Today's recipe, Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs, is a simple, straightforward approach to making delicious, set and forget, fall-off-the-bone ribs in your kitchen in a matter of a few hours! While we all love a true rack of low and slow smoked ribs, weather and timing do not always permit so enjoy this simple, alternative version that will leave your friends and family asking for more...Let's Get Cooking!
Thanks to our favorite kitchen helper, the slow cooker, doing most of the heavy lifting for this recipe, prep work is relatively minimal. Slice an onion into thin rounds and line the bottom of your slow cooker. Toss in a handful of whole garlic cloves and pour in your favorite dark soda, such as Coke or Dr Pepper.
Next, you need to roughly measure your slow cooker so you can break down your baby back ribs into sections that will fit. You should be able to cut them down into half or thirds and make them fit with minimal fuss. Once you have gotten your ribs sized down, apply a generous coat of your favorite rib rub on both sides and arrange the ribs in the slow cooker, stacking as necessary. If you don't have a favorite rib rub, my sweet and spicy Grubb's Sweet Heat Pork Dry Rub is a great option for any pork you are cooking, just saying!
To finish things up and get these ribs cooking, slice any remaining onion into thin slivers or more rounds that you break apart and spread them over the top of the ribs. Depending on the size of your onion, it may take 2 for this recipe to cover the bottom and have some for the top as well.
Set your slow cooker to high, place the lid on, and let the ribs cook untouched for 3 to 4 hours. This will vary according to your personal slow cooker and taste of course. If you like more traditional, smoker style ribs then pull them after 3 hours. If you don't care about true barbecue texture and prefer literal fall-off-the-bone extra tender meat, then you will want the full 4 hours. This may involve some experimentation and extra tasting along the way, but who can resist a rib trial after smelling them in your kitchen for a couple hours, eh? Once you think they are about ready, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready to go once they finish up!
When you are satisfied with the tenderness of your ribs, remove them from the slow cooker and transfer them to a wire rack on a baking sheet. Warning, if you go the full 4 hours they will likely fall apart on you, so just do your best to keep them together and moved over. Otherwise, the remaining liquid and onion can be discarded or composted.
To finish up your ribs, simply apply a heavy coating of your favorite barbecue sauce. Again, if you are lacking one, check out my Bourbon BBQ Sauce.
Slide your tray of baby back ribs into your preheated oven and let them finish cooking for about 15-20 minutes, to thicken and set the sauce. You could also put them under the broiler if you like a little extra color and caramelization, but it isn't necessary to enjoy these simple, yet delicious ribs!
How about those Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs? What else can I say but dig in and enjoy! Simple and sure to satisfy even the pickiest of barbecue eaters, these ribs can't get much easier or more delicious. You can experiment with different rubs and sauces, or stick with your favorites, but either way these turn out amazing every time! Cooking baby back ribs in a slow cooker might sound intimidating, but it's surprisingly straightforward. By choosing high-quality ribs and patiently allowing them to slow cook, you can impress your family and guests with fall-off-the-bone delicious baby back ribs any day of the week or year, rain, sleet, snow, or shine! Now, it's your turn to don the apron and put these tips into action....Just Keep Cooking!
SLOW COOKER BABY BACK RIBS
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