Emilie Meyer
Baby back ribs are a delicious dish that can be cooked in a crock pot. The process is simple and requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or easy weekend dinners. The ribs are seasoned with a dry rub and cooked slowly in the crock pot until they are tender. They are then brushed with barbecue sauce and finished in the oven or on a grill. The result is fall-off-the-bone tender ribs that are full of flavour.
Characteristics and Values Table for Baby Back Ribs in a Crock Pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Servings | 6 |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, brown sugar |
| Liquid | Water, beer, root beer, cranberry wine |
| Barbecue Sauce | Store-bought or homemade |
| Cooking Time | Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours |
| Temperature | 190°F-205°F |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the ribs
To prep the ribs, start by removing the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin membrane of connective tissue will cook up tough and chewy, so it's worth taking the time to remove it. You can use a knife to get under the membrane and pull it off. If it's slippery, a paper towel can help you grip it.
Next, cut the ribs into sections so they fit in your crock pot. The number of sections you cut them into will depend on the size of your crock pot. You may only need to cut them in half, or you may need to cut them into 3 or 4 bone sections.
Now it's time to make your spice rub. You can use a simple combination of salt, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative and add other spices. Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl, then rub the spice mix generously over the meaty side of the ribs.
If you want to add liquid smoke for a smoky flavour, apply a light coat now. This is an optional step, but if you do use liquid smoke, make sure to buy a good-quality brand that only lists smoke and water in the ingredients.
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Choosing a crock pot
Choosing the right crock pot is essential for cooking delicious baby back ribs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a crock pot:
Size:
To cook a full rack of baby back ribs, choose a crock pot with a capacity of at least 6 quarts. This will ensure that the ribs fit comfortably and that the lid closes completely. If you plan to cook for a larger group, you may consider an even larger crock pot. Alternatively, if you're cooking for one or two people, a smaller crock pot, such as a mini crock pot, may be more suitable.
Shape:
Opt for either a round or oval-shaped crock pot. These shapes allow for even cooking and heat distribution. Curling the ribs around the sides of the crock pot is ideal, as it ensures that the water doesn't touch the meat directly, resulting in the perfect meat texture.
Temperature Settings:
Look for a crock pot with adjustable temperature settings, including a "High" setting. Cooking ribs on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours is a common recommendation. The high setting also helps create caramelization on the edges of the ribs, making them even more mouthwatering.
Ease of Use:
Select a crock pot that is easy to use and clean. Look for features such as a nonstick coating or a removable inner pot. A clear lid can also be helpful to check on the progress of your ribs without lifting the lid and releasing heat.
Safety Features:
Choose a crock pot with safety features such as an automatic shut-off function or a cool-touch exterior to prevent accidents and ensure peace of mind.
Reviews and Reputation:
Consider the brand and reviews of the crock pot. Opt for a reputable brand known for quality and durability. Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of their experience with the product, including its performance, ease of use, and longevity.
By considering these factors, you can choose a crock pot that will help you cook mouthwatering baby back ribs with ease and convenience.
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Cooking time and temperature
Cooking baby back ribs in a crock pot is a great way to get tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with minimal effort. The cooking time will depend on the temperature setting you choose. For a faster cook, set your crock pot to high and cook the ribs for 3 to 4 hours. If you have more time, cook them on low for 7 to 8 hours.
The key to getting tender ribs is to cook them low and slow. This gives the meat time to break down and become buttery and tender. The crock pot does all the heavy lifting, so you don't need to worry about boiling, marinating, or constantly checking on the ribs. Just season them with a dry rub, set the crock pot to the desired temperature, and let it work its magic.
The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 190°F. However, for the best results and to ensure that the meat truly falls off the bone, aim for an internal temperature of 200° to 205°F. This is the temperature range where the collagen in the meat melts, giving you that perfect, tender texture.
After the ribs have reached the desired internal temperature, it's time to finish them off. Brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce and then place them under the broiler or grill for 2 to 5 minutes. This will give the ribs a beautiful caramelized finish and a little bit of char.
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and place them in an oven preheated to 250°F until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F to 140°F.
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Finishing the ribs
Some recipes suggest cooking the ribs in the oven for 30 minutes after removing them from the crock pot, and then in an air fryer for 8 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the majority of recipes recommend transferring the ribs straight from the crock pot to the grill or oven.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in storage wrap or aluminum foil. They will last for up to four days in the refrigerator.
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Storing leftovers
To store leftovers in the refrigerator, let the ribs cool down to room temperature. Then, wrap them tightly in storage wrap or aluminium foil and place them in an airtight container. You can also add a little sauce to keep the ribs moist.
To freeze leftovers, let the ribs cool completely, then wrap them tightly and place them at the back of the freezer. They can be stored this way for up to 4 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover ribs again, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven. Wrap the ribs in foil and place them in a pan in a warm oven (around 250-300°F or 130-140°F) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 3 to 8 hours to cook baby back ribs in a crock pot. The time depends on the desired tenderness and the setting of the crock pot. For a higher level of tenderness, it is recommended to cook the ribs for closer to 8 hours.
The ingredients needed are ribs, seasonings, water, onion, garlic, and barbecue sauce. For seasonings, you can use salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and place them in a pan in an oven heated to 250°F until they reach an internal temperature of 130-140°F.
