If you love tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs but don’t have access to a grill, you can still enjoy them by cooking them in a crock pot. Using a crock pot to cook ribs is a convenient and foolproof method that results in moist and flavorful meat. Plus, it requires minimal effort and allows you to set it and forget it, giving you time to relax or attend to other tasks while the ribs cook.

When cooking ribs in a crock pot, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. Baby back ribs or spare ribs are the most common choices for slow cooking. These cuts are rich in flavor and have enough fat to keep the meat moist during the long cooking process. You can ask your local butcher to trim the excess fat from the ribs if you prefer leaner meat.

Before placing the ribs in the crock pot, it’s important to season them properly. You can use a store-bought barbecue rub or make your own by combining salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. For an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the ribs in your favorite barbecue sauce overnight before cooking them.

Once the ribs are seasoned, place them in the crock pot and add a cup or two of barbecue sauce, depending on your preference. You can use a homemade sauce or your favorite store-bought brand. The sauce will not only add moisture to the meat but also infuse it with a rich and tangy flavor. Cover the crock pot and cook the ribs on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The longer you cook the ribs, the more tender they will become.

Preparing the Ribs

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Before cooking the ribs in the crock pot, it’s important to properly prepare them to ensure they turn out tender and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1:

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by gently lifting it with a butter knife and pulling it off. This step helps the ribs absorb more flavor and reduces chewiness.

Step 2:

Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps remove any excess blood and ensures the seasoning sticks to the meat.

Step 3:

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Season the ribs with your favorite dry rub or marinade. Apply the seasoning generously, making sure to coat all sides of the ribs. This will add flavor and enhance the taste of the final dish.

Step 4:

Let the seasoned ribs sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and results in a more delicious end result.

Once the ribs are properly prepared, they’re ready to be cooked in the crock pot. The next section will cover the cooking process.

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Choosing the Right Ribs

When it comes to cooking bbq ribs in a crock pot, selecting the right type of ribs is crucial for achieving the best results. There are various types of ribs available, but the two most commonly used for slow cooking are baby back ribs and spare ribs.

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1. Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are taken from the top of the rib section between the spine and the spare ribs. They are smaller in size and more tender, making them a popular choice for crock pot cooking. Baby back ribs are leaner with less meat and more bone compared to spare ribs.

2. Spare Ribs: Spare ribs come from the belly area of the hog, below the baby back ribs. They are larger and meatier than baby back ribs, with more fat content. Spare ribs are also known for their rich and flavorful taste, which makes them a great option for slow cooking in a crock pot.

When choosing ribs, look for racks that are well-marbled with fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process. Additionally, make sure the ribs are fresh and have been properly stored to ensure quality and safety.

Consider the flavors you prefer when deciding between baby back and spare ribs. Baby back ribs are known for their tenderness and mild flavor, while spare ribs have a stronger and more intense taste.

Once you have chosen the type of ribs that best suits your preferences, you are one step closer to cooking delicious bbq ribs in a crock pot.

Gently Removing the Membrane

Before cooking your BBQ ribs in a crock pot, it’s important to remove the tough membrane on the back of the ribs. This membrane can prevent the seasoning and flavors from penetrating the meat, resulting in less tender and flavorful ribs. Follow these steps to gently remove the membrane:

  1. Start by loosening the membrane on one end of the rack of ribs. You can use a butter knife or your fingers to do this.
  2. Once you have loosened the membrane, grip it with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. This will provide a better grip and make it easier to remove.
  3. Gently pull the membrane off the ribs, working your way along the rack. Be careful not to tear the membrane or pull off chunks of meat along with it.
  4. If the membrane is difficult to remove in some parts, you can use a knife or a pair of kitchen scissors to help loosen it.
  5. Once the membrane is removed, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Now that you have successfully removed the membrane, your ribs are ready to be seasoned and cooked in the crock pot. By taking this small step, you will ensure that your ribs turn out tender, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!

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Marinading the Ribs

Marinading the ribs is an important step to infuse them with delicious flavors. Follow these steps to marinade your ribs:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together your desired marinade ingredients. This can include a mixture of BBQ sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, and any other seasonings you prefer.

2. Place the ribs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the ribs are fully coated in the marinade.

3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.

4. Every few hours, flip the ribs or gently massage them in the marinade to ensure even distribution of flavors.

5. Before cooking the ribs, remove them from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

Marinading the ribs will enhance their taste and make them more delicious. It’s an essential step in creating tender and flavorful BBQ ribs in a crock pot.

Selecting a Delicious Marinade

Marinating the ribs is an essential step in creating delicious and tender BBQ ribs. The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to break down the tough fibers of the meat, resulting in juicy and succulent ribs.

When selecting a marinade for your crock pot BBQ ribs, there are various options to choose from. Consider the following delicious marinades:

  • Classic BBQ Sauce: A traditional choice, a classic BBQ sauce marinade is both tangy and sweet. It pairs well with pork ribs and adds a smoky flavor. Look for a high-quality, store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own from scratch.
  • Honey Mustard Marinade: If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, a honey mustard marinade is a fantastic option. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard complements the richness of the ribs perfectly.
  • Asian-inspired Marinade: For a unique twist, try an Asian-inspired marinade. Combine ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil to create a flavorful and savory marinade that infuses the ribs with an umami taste.
  • Spicy Chipotle Marinade: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy chipotle marinade is a great choice. The smoky and spicy flavors of chipotle peppers provide a delicious contrast to the richness of the meat.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Marinade: Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the ribs. Combined with spices and herbs, this marinade helps to tenderize the meat and enhance its natural flavors.

Regardless of the marinade you choose, make sure to marinate the ribs for at least a few hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat fully, resulting in incredibly tasty crock pot BBQ ribs.

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Experiment with different marinades to find your favorite flavor combination. Don’t be afraid to get creative and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. With the right marinade, your crock pot BBQ ribs will be a hit at your next gathering!

Coating the Ribs with Marinade

Once the ribs are cleaned and patted dry, it’s time to coat them in the delicious marinade. This marinade will add flavor and tenderize the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful final result.

Ingredients: Instructions:
– 2 cups of barbecue sauce 1. In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with your preferred seasonings.
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar 2. Stir in the brown sugar to add a touch of sweetness to the marinade.
– 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar 3. Pour in the apple cider vinegar to add some tangy acidity.
– 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce 4. Add the Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
– 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard 5. Lastly, mix in the Dijon mustard for a hint of spiciness.

Make sure to fully coat the ribs with the marinade, ensuring that every inch is covered. You can either use a basting brush or your hands to evenly distribute the marinade. Once the ribs are coated, place them back into the crock pot, making sure they are in a single layer.

Cover the crock pot with its lid and let the ribs cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the meat to become tender and full of flavor. Remember to periodically baste the ribs with the marinade to keep them moist and flavorful.

Q&A

What is a crock pot?

A crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, is a countertop cooking appliance used for simmering, slow cooking, and braising food.

Can I cook bbq ribs in a crock pot?

Yes, you can definitely cook bbq ribs in a crock pot. It’s a convenient and easy way to prepare tender and flavorful ribs.

What ingredients do I need to cook bbq ribs in a crock pot?

To cook bbq ribs in a crock pot, you will need ribs (pork or beef), your choice of bbq sauce, seasonings (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika), and optional ingredients like brown sugar and liquid smoke.

How long does it take to cook bbq ribs in a crock pot?

The cooking time for bbq ribs in a crock pot can vary depending on the size and type of ribs. On average, it takes about 4-6 hours on high heat or 8-10 hours on low heat to cook the ribs until they are tender and easily separate from the bone.