Slow-Cooked Sweet & Smoky BBQ Ribs
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Slow-Cooked Sweet & Smoky BBQ Ribs. This uncomplicated and mouthwatering recipe ensures that you’ll savor tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a rich and flavorful barbecue sauce. Broiling the ribs first helps to lock in the flavors without excess grease, creating a perfectly crispy exterior. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Let your slow cooker do the work while you sit back and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
4-6
Servings
400
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Spareribs
2 (3-4 lb) slabs (Cut into serving portions, usually 2 ribs together.)
Salt
to taste (Sprinkle on both sides.)
Pepper
to taste (Sprinkle on both sides.)
Onion
1, sliced (Optional, placed in the crock pot.)
Barbecue Sauce
1 (16 ounce) bottle (Choose your favorite brand (Sweet Baby Ray's recommended).)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler and prepare a broiler pan.
2
Cut the pork spareribs into serving portions, typically two ribs per serving.
3
Generously season both sides of the ribs with salt and pepper.
4
Place the seasoned ribs on the broiler pan and broil for 12 minutes on each side, or until they reach a beautiful brown color and a slightly crispy texture. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
5
In the bottom of the slow cooker, layer the sliced onions to add flavor and moisture.
6
Arrange the broiled rib sections on top of the onions in the crock pot.
7
Drizzle a bit of barbecue sauce over each rib section as you layer them, then pour the remaining sauce over all the ribs to ensure they are fully coated.
8
Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for about 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become perfectly tender.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
20g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Slow-Cooked Sweet & Smoky BBQ Ribs?
This is a comfort food dish where pork spareribs are seasoned, broiled for crispness, and then slow-cooked with onions and barbecue sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.
What cut of pork is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 slabs of pork spareribs, typically weighing between 3 to 4 pounds each.
How many servings does this BBQ ribs recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of these ribs?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need pork spareribs, salt, pepper, one sliced onion, and a 16-ounce bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce.
Is it necessary to broil the ribs before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, broiling for 12 minutes per side is recommended to lock in flavors, create a crispy exterior, and render out excess grease.
How long should the ribs be broiled?
Broil the seasoned ribs for 12 minutes on each side until they reach a beautiful brown color.
What setting should I use on my slow cooker?
The ribs should be cooked on the 'low' setting for the best results.
How long do the ribs take to cook in the crock pot?
The ribs should slow-cook for approximately 8 hours to ensure they become perfectly tender.
Why are onions placed at the bottom of the slow cooker?
Layering sliced onions at the bottom adds essential flavor and moisture to the meat during the long cooking process.
Which barbecue sauce is recommended for this recipe?
While any brand works, Sweet Baby Ray's is a recommended choice for that classic sweet and smoky flavor.
How much protein is in a serving of these ribs?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of fat.
Are there many carbohydrates in this recipe?
There are about 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the barbecue sauce.
How should I cut the ribs before cooking?
The pork spareribs should be cut into serving portions, which is typically two ribs per section.
Can I use a different type of rib, such as baby back ribs?
Yes, you can substitute spareribs with baby back ribs, though they may cook slightly faster due to being leaner.
Do I need to add water or broth to the slow cooker?
No extra liquid is needed as the onions and the barbecue sauce provide plenty of moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, it is described as an uncomplicated and easy recipe where the slow cooker does most of the work.
How can I ensure the ribs are fully coated in sauce?
Drizzle a bit of sauce over each rib section as you layer them in the crock pot, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
What should I do with the excess fat after broiling?
You should drain any excess fat from the broiler pan before transferring the ribs to the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these ribs hold up well and can be reheated, often tasting even better as the flavors meld overnight.
What sides pair well with sweet and smoky BBQ ribs?
Classic pairings include coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or a fresh green salad.
Can I cook these ribs on high for a shorter time?
While low for 8 hours is ideal for tenderness, you can cook them on high for 4 to 5 hours if you are short on time.
How do I store leftover ribs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked ribs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked ribs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
How should I reheat the ribs?
Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to prevent them from drying out.
Can I add extra spices to the ribs?
Yes, feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to the salt and pepper seasoning for extra depth.
Is the onion mandatory?
The onion is optional, but it is highly recommended for the moisture and flavor it provides.
Does this recipe include sugar or fiber details?
The specific sugar and fiber counts are not provided in the nutritional breakdown for this recipe.
What makes these ribs 'fall-off-the-bone'?
The long, slow cooking process at a low temperature breaks down the connective tissue in the spareribs, making them incredibly tender.