Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Introduction

These Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Cooking them low and slow ensures the meat falls off the bone perfectly, while a final broil caramelizes the sauce for a delicious finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

• 3 to 3 ½ pounds pork baby back ribs
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 2 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand, divided into 2 cups and ½ cup)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the opaque membrane from the underside of the ribs. Use a small sharp knife to lift a corner of the membrane and carefully slide the knife underneath, lifting and cutting along the rib. Then, pull the membrane away with your fingers. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended for safety.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread two-thirds of the rub over the meaty side of the ribs, then spread the remaining one-third onto the underside where the membrane was removed.
4. Step 4: Spray a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Step 5: Use a spoon or basting brush to spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the meaty side of the ribs.
6. Step 6: Place the ribs, meaty side coated, against the sides of the slow cooker.
7. Step 7: Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce on the inside of the ribs.
8. Step 8: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top ridge of the ribs, reserving the remaining ½ cup for finishing under the broiler.
9. Step 9: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
10. Step 10: About 10 minutes before the slow cooker time ends, preheat your oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
11. Step 11: Using tongs or a spatula, carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the prepared baking sheet. Ribs will be tender and may need to be transferred in sections.
12. Step 12: Baste the ribs with the remaining BBQ sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Removing the membrane ensures tender ribs with better seasoning absorption.
• Use a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.
• If you don’t have a broiler, you can finish the ribs on a hot grill for a similar caramelized effect.
• For extra flavor, marinate the ribs with the rub overnight in the refrigerator.

Storage

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through, then optionally broil briefly to re-caramelize the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baby back ribs for this recipe?

Yes, baby back ribs are perfect for this slow cooker recipe as they cook evenly and become tender while absorbing the flavors.

Do I need to remove the rib membrane?

Removing the membrane is recommended because it improves the texture and allows the rub and sauce to penetrate better, resulting in more flavorful and tender ribs.