Ultimate Slow-Cooked BBQ Ribs
Indulge in the ultimate barbecue experience with these incredibly tender slow-cooked ribs. This recipe guarantees that every bite is bursting with rich flavors, thanks to a perfect blend of brown sugar, spices, and savory barbecue sauce. The ribs become so tender they literally fall off the bone, making them a hit at any gathering. Plus, the cola blend adds an unexpected sweetness that enhances the overall taste while keeping them surprisingly light on grease. Whether it's game day or a family dinner, these Ultimate Slow-Cooked BBQ Ribs are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters!
N/A
Servings
750
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork back ribs or beef ribs
3 1/2 lbs (Remove inner skin and cut into 4-inch pieces)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (Packed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Liquid smoke
2-3 tablespoons (None)
Garlic cloves
2 (Chopped)
Onion
1 medium (Sliced)
Cola
1/2 cup (None)
Barbecue sauce
1 1/2 cups (Your favorite)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying the inside of a 4 to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Carefully remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor and tenderness.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, pepper, liquid smoke, and chopped garlic. Mix well to create a flavorful rub.
4
Generously rub the mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
5
Cut the ribs into manageable 4-inch pieces for easier layering in the slow cooker.
6
Place a layer of sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer the ribs on top.
7
Pour the cola evenly over the ribs to infuse sweetness and moisture.
8
Cover the slow cooker and set it to a low heat setting, allowing the ribs to cook for 8 to 9 hours until they’re fork-tender.
9
Once the cooking time is complete, gently remove the ribs from the pot while discarding any excess liquid.
10
Pour your favorite barbecue sauce into a shallow bowl and dip each rib to coat them generously.
11
Return the coated ribs to the slow cooker, layering them to retain moisture and flavor.
12
Drizzle any remaining barbecue sauce over the top of the ribs.
13
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low for an additional hour to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
37.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
62.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Slow-Cooked BBQ Ribs?
They are tender ribs cooked in a slow cooker with a blend of brown sugar, spices, cola, and barbecue sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.
What type of ribs should I use for this recipe?
You can use either 3 1/2 lbs of pork back ribs or beef ribs.
How long do the ribs need to cook in the slow cooker?
The ribs cook on low for 8 to 9 hours initially, followed by an additional hour after applying the barbecue sauce.
What is the purpose of adding cola to the recipe?
Cola adds an unexpected sweetness and helps keep the ribs moist while they cook.
Why should I remove the membrane from the back of the ribs?
Removing the thin membrane allows for better flavor penetration and ensures the ribs are more tender.
What ingredients are in the rib rub?
The rub consists of brown sugar, salt, pepper, liquid smoke, and chopped garlic.
Should the ribs be cooked on high or low heat?
The recipe recommends using the low heat setting for the best results.
How many calories are in a serving of these ribs?
There are approximately 750 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains 62.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 37.5g of fat per serving.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 4 to 5-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
How should I prepare the onion?
You should slice one medium onion and place the slices at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Into what size should I cut the ribs?
The ribs should be cut into manageable 4-inch pieces for easier layering.
When do I add the barbecue sauce?
The barbecue sauce is added after the initial 8 to 9 hours of cooking once the excess liquid is discarded.
How much barbecue sauce is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce.
Do I need to spray the slow cooker?
Yes, you should spray the inside with cooking spray to prevent the ribs from sticking.
How much liquid smoke is used?
The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons of liquid smoke.
Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Yes, the recipe is designed to work well with either pork back ribs or beef ribs.
What are the total carbohydrates in this meal?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is approximately 1.25g of fiber per serving.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 chopped garlic cloves.
How much brown sugar is in the rub?
The rub uses 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What do I do with the liquid after the first cooking stage?
You should gently remove the ribs from the pot and discard any excess liquid before saucing them.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Absolutely, it is listed as a great option for game day or family dinners.
How much salt and pepper should be used?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How much cola is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of cola.
What makes the ribs so tender?
The combination of the slow cooking process, the removal of the membrane, and the moisture from the cola makes them fall-off-the-bone tender.
Can I layer the ribs in the cooker?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions layering the 4-inch pieces over the onions and again after coating them in sauce.
How long does the final flavor-melding stage take?
After adding the sauce, the ribs should cook for one more hour on low.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple preparation and cooking steps.