Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection: Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Prepare for a journey into the realm of mouthwatering tenderness with our Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs recipe. This no-fuss, hands-off approach to cooking ribs ensures they reach a level of succulence that’s unparalleled. The slow cooker transforms these ribs into a symphony of flavors, and when paired with a rich barbecue sauce, you’re in for a culinary delight. Let’s dive into the magic of slow-cooked perfection with these BBQ Baby Back Ribs!
Ingredients:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
2. Create the Rub:
- In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful rub.
3. Apply the Rub:
- Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, ensuring an even coating.
4. Slow Cooker Set-Up:
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker, standing them up along the edges with the meaty side facing outward.
5. Cook Low and Slow:
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the ribs for 6-7 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bones.
6. Make the BBQ Sauce:
- While the ribs are cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Grill or Broil:
- Preheat your grill or broiler. Once the ribs are done in the slow cooker, carefully transfer them to the grill or broiler. Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on both sides and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes per side, basting with more sauce as needed. This step adds a delightful caramelized finish.
8. Rest and Serve:
- Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Cook Notes:
- Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of chili powder in the rub.
- For a smokier flavor, add a touch of liquid smoke to the rub or BBQ sauce.
Variations:
- Sweet Heat Glaze:
- Enhance the BBQ sauce with a dash of hot sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Citrus Zing:
- Infuse a burst of freshness by adding orange or pineapple juice to the BBQ sauce.
Keto Version:
Ingredients:
- Use a low-carb sweetener in place of brown sugar in both the rub and BBQ sauce.
- Opt for a sugar-free ketchup.
Instructions:
- Customize this recipe to fit a keto lifestyle by choosing low-carb sweeteners and condiments.
Low-Carb Version:
Ingredients:
- Replace brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener.
- Choose a sugar-free ketchup for the BBQ sauce.
Instructions:
- Adapt this recipe for a low-carb diet by using suitable sweeteners and condiments.
Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs are a testament to the magic of slow cooking, producing ribs so tender they practically fall off the bone. With the perfect blend of spices in the rub and a luscious barbecue sauce, every bite is a flavor explosion. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or a cooking novice, this recipe guarantees a plate full of finger-licking goodness. Get ready to savor the satisfaction of achieving rib perfection with minimal effort!
