Ultimate Slow-Braised BBQ Ribs
Experience the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these Ultimate Slow-Braised BBQ Ribs! Featuring tender, bone-in country-style pork ribs that have been seasoned and generously coated with a rich, flavorful sauce, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. After slow cooking to perfection, the ribs are removed and drizzled with a beautifully reduced sauce that counts apple butter, brown sugar, and a medley of citrus juices among its ingredients, adding a delightful sweet and tangy twist. Not just limited to ribs, the luscious sauce can also double as a marinade for pulled pork or other meats, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you choose to finish the ribs in the oven or on the grill for a caramelized glaze, this dish is sure to impress and please every palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
bone-in country-style pork ribs
4 lbs (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (divided)
medium onion
1 (diced)
brown sugar
1 cup (firmly packed)
apple butter
1 cup (none)
ketchup
1 cup (none)
lemon juice
1/2 cup (none)
orange juice
1/2 cup (none)
steak sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by lightly sprinkling half of the salt evenly over the pork ribs to season them.
2
In a medium bowl, mix together the remaining salt, diced onion, brown sugar, apple butter, ketchup, lemon juice, orange juice, steak sauce, black pepper, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
3
Pour half of the sauce mixture into a 5-quart slow cooker and set the remaining half aside.
4
Place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
5
Cover the slow cooker and set it to high heat. Cook for 6 to 7 hours or until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
6
Once the ribs are cooked, carefully remove them using tongs and place them on a warm platter, covering them to keep them moist.
7
Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, reducing the sauce by about a quarter until it thickens slightly.
8
Finish off the ribs by placing them in an oven or on a grill for a few minutes to create a beautiful caramelized glaze.
9
Serve the ribs hot, drizzled with the reduced sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient of this recipe?
The main ingredient is 4 lbs of bone-in country-style pork ribs.
What makes the BBQ sauce unique in this recipe?
The sauce features a unique blend of apple butter, brown sugar, and a medley of citrus juices for a sweet and tangy twist.
How long should the ribs cook in the slow cooker?
The ribs should be cooked on high heat for 6 to 7 hours until they are tender and falling off the bone.
What setting should I use on my slow cooker?
Set the slow cooker to high heat for this recipe.
How do I achieve a caramelized glaze on the ribs?
After slow cooking, finish the ribs by placing them in an oven or on a grill for a few minutes.
How do I prepare the sauce for serving?
Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes to reduce and thicken it.
What kind of onion is required?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, diced.
Can I use the BBQ sauce for other meats?
Yes, the sauce can double as a marinade for pulled pork or other meats.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 5-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
How much apple butter is needed?
You will need 1 cup of apple butter.
What citrus juices are included in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of orange juice.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
Should the salt be added all at once?
No, the salt is divided; half is used to season the ribs and the other half is mixed into the sauce.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How much steak sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of steak sauce.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Do I need to pre-cook the ribs before putting them in the slow cooker?
No, you place the seasoned raw ribs directly into the slow cooker with the sauce.
How much ketchup is in the sauce?
The recipe includes 1 cup of ketchup.
How do I keep the ribs moist after cooking?
Place them on a warm platter and cover them while you reduce the sauce.
How much should the sauce be reduced?
The sauce should be reduced by about a quarter until it thickens slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
What is the first step in preparing the ribs?
Begin by lightly sprinkling half of the salt evenly over the pork ribs.
How should the ribs be placed in the slow cooker?
Place them on top of half of the sauce mixture, then pour the remaining sauce over them.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include BBQ ribs, slow cooked, pork ribs, comfort food, crockpot, family dinner, and grilling.
How many teaspoons of salt are used in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of salt are used.
Can I serve the sauce on the side?
Yes, the ribs should be served drizzled with the reduced sauce for extra flavor.
What is the texture of the finished ribs?
They should be tender and falling off the bone.
What is the recipe ID?
The recipe ID is ultimate-slow-braised-bbq-ribs.