Marianne Martinez
Cooking baby back ribs in a crock pot is an easy, low-maintenance way to make tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs. With just a few simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time, you can make delicious ribs without the need for a grill or oven. The crock pot does all the heavy lifting, cooking the ribs low and slow until they're fall-off-the-bone tender. Then, simply brush them with barbecue sauce and broil for a few minutes to get that perfect caramelization.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Baby back ribs, barbecue sauce, onion, garlic, water, salt, pepper, and/or other seasonings |
| Cook Time | 4-8 hours, depending on the heat setting (low or high) |
| Cook Temperature | Low or high heat setting |
| Cook Method | Place ingredients in the crock pot, cook until tender, then finish with a sauce and oven/grill |
| Servings | About 6 servings for 3 pounds of ribs |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 4 months |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the ribs
Next, you'll want to trim the ribs to fit your slow cooker. Cut the slab of ribs in half, or into thirds, depending on the size of your cooker. If you're using St. Louis or spare ribs, trim off the thick cartilage to help them fit better in the pot.
Then, remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This is an important step as it helps the rub soak in and keeps the ribs tender. Simply slip a knife under the membrane and pull – you can use a piece of paper towel to help you grip it.
Now it's time to make the rub. In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. A simple rub can be made with paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. However, you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and lemon pepper for extra flavour.
Once your rub is ready, generously coat both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat. If you want to add liquid smoke for extra flavour, rub a small amount on the ribs before applying the rub.
Finally, place the ribs in your slow cooker, curling them around the inside if needed to fit. You can add onion, garlic, and a touch of water or broth to the cooker as well.
And that's it! You're now ready to start cooking your delicious crock pot baby back ribs.
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Choosing a rub
If you're short on time, you can use a simple store-bought pork rub or a pre-made spice mix. A Santa Maria Rub is one example of a store-bought rub that has received positive reviews. You can also use a dry rub, which some people prefer as it helps the ribs stay tender and not chewy. A dry rub also helps the ribs develop a nice crust when grilled or broiled after being cooked in the crock pot.
When applying the rub, use your fingers to massage it into both sides of the ribs. Make sure to remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs first, as this will help the rub soak in better and ensure the ribs stay tender. You can simply slip a knife under the membrane and pull to remove it. If you want to add a smoky flavor to your ribs, you can rub a small amount of liquid smoke on the ribs before applying the dry rub. However, choose a brand that only lists smoke and water as ingredients to avoid an artificial taste.
The rub you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the amount of time you have to prepare the ribs. Whether you use a store-bought or homemade rub, the crock pot will do most of the work in infusing the flavors into the meat, resulting in juicy and tender ribs.
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Selecting a BBQ sauce
If you want to make your own sauce, you can start by collecting the juices from the ribs and adding them to the sauce. This will give it a deeper, more layered, and meatier flavour. A basic sauce can be made by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, black pepper, cayenne, and mustard. You can also add other ingredients like honey, vinegar, spices, bourbon, or even whiskey to give it a unique twist. Play around with the measurements of these ingredients to find the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
For those who prefer a store-bought option, there are a variety of sauces to choose from. A classic barbecue sauce is usually tomato-based and can be found in different flavours, such as sweet and spicy. You can also find thinner sauces, like the Memphis-style sauce, which calls for molasses and sugar. If you're looking for a sauce with a kick, try a Louisiana-style hot sauce.
Remember, the key to a great rib sauce is to let it cook low and slow so that it can sink into the meat and create a sticky crust. Whether you make your own sauce or buy it from the store, always taste and adjust the flavours to your preference.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for baby back ribs in a crock pot varies depending on the temperature setting. For example, some recipes suggest cooking the ribs on a low setting for around 6 to 8 hours. On the other hand, cooking on high for 3 to 5 hours is also an option.
It's important to note that the cooking time may depend on your crock pot's performance and your desired doneness. One recipe recommends checking the ribs after 4 hours on low heat to ensure they don't overcook. Another recipe suggests cooking the ribs for 7 hours on low heat, while yet another suggests 4 to 5 hours on low heat.
It's recommended to cook the ribs until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. This doneness is achieved when the meat is easily pulled apart with a fork or cut with a knife. Some recipes suggest brushing the ribs with barbecue sauce and placing them under a grill or broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce and give them a char.
If you prefer your ribs well done, you may need to cook them for a longer period of time. However, it's important to monitor the ribs to prevent overcooking, as this can affect the texture and make the meat dry.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the size and thickness of the ribs may impact the cooking time. Larger racks of ribs may require a longer cooking time, while thinner racks may cook faster.
In summary, the cooking time for baby back ribs in a crock pot can range from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the temperature setting, the desired doneness, and the size of the ribs. The key is to cook them low and slow until they are tender and juicy, and then finish them off with a sauce and a quick grill or broil.
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Serving suggestions
Crock-pot baby back ribs are best served straight from the crock-pot/slow cooker. Once the meat is falling off the bone, you know it's done. Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and place them under the broiler/grill for a few minutes to let the sauce caramelize. Cut the ribs apart and serve with some extra barbecue sauce on the side.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in storage wrap or aluminium foil. They will last for up to four days in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove.
Crock-pot baby back ribs are often served with side dishes. Some suggestions include:
- Potato dill salad and pesto potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Baked French fries
- Sauerkraut, kimchi and/or spicy pickles
- Leafy side salads with a homemade dressing such as maple balsamic vinaigrette
- Bacon and cheddar-loaded potato skins
- White cheddar mac and cheese
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 4 and 8 hours to cook baby back ribs in a crock pot, depending on the heat setting.
You should cook baby back ribs on a low heat setting.
You will need ribs, seasoning, water, onion, garlic, and barbecue sauce.
The ribs are done when the meat is falling off the bone.
