Crock-Pot Ribs: Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Deliciousness

how to cook pork spareribs in crock pot

Cooking pork spareribs in a crock pot is a great way to make delicious, tender ribs without the hassle of babysitting a grill or smoker. Slow cooking is an ideal method for making cheaper cuts of meat more tender and tasty, and it's a low-effort, high-reward way to cook. You can use a variety of rubs and sauces to flavour your ribs, and they'll be ready in as little as four hours on the high setting.

Characteristics Values
Type of ribs Baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, spare ribs
Amount of ribs 2.5-3 lbs. for 6 servings
Seasonings Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, red pepper flakes
Other ingredients Water, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce
Cook time 4 hours on high, 8 hours on low
Cook temperature 195°F
Storage Tightly wrapped in aluminum foil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months

cycookery

Prepping the ribs

To prep the ribs, you will need to start by removing the silver skin or membrane from the back of the ribs. This is a thin membrane on the bone side of the ribs. Removing it is recommended because it improves flavour absorption and tenderness. You can ask your butcher to do this for you, or you can do it yourself.

Next, you will need to make a dry rub for the ribs. This can be done by mixing together spices such as brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes to give the ribs a little extra heat. Mix these spices together in a small bowl, and then rub the mixture generously all over the ribs, making sure to cover both sides.

After the ribs have been rubbed with the spice mixture, you can place them in the slow cooker. Depending on the size and shape of your slow cooker, you may need to cut the ribs into smaller pieces to make them fit. It is recommended to stand the ribs up along the edge of the pot, with the meatier side facing outwards.

Granite Rock Pan: Induction Safe?

You may want to see also

cycookery

Removing the silver skin

One method is to use a sharp knife to carefully cut under the silver skin, starting at one end of the rack and working your way down the length of the ribs. Try to get your knife as close to the membrane as possible without cutting into the meat. Once you have loosened a large enough section, you can grab it with a paper towel and pull it away from the ribs. Using a paper towel will give you a better grip and make it easier to remove the membrane in one piece.

Alternatively, you can try using your fingers to pry up an edge of the silver skin. Find a loose edge or use a knife to lift a small section, then grip it with a paper towel and slowly peel it away from the ribs. This method may take a bit more time and patience, but it can be effective if you don't want to use a knife.

If you're having trouble removing the silver skin, you can also ask your butcher to do it for you. Many butchers are experienced in removing silver skin from ribs and may be able to save you some time and effort.

Once the silver skin has been removed, you can continue with your chosen crock pot rib recipe, knowing that your ribs will be more tender and flavourful.

cycookery

Making the dry rub

Making a dry rub for your pork spareribs is a simple process that can be adjusted to your taste preferences. A basic dry rub will include salt and pepper, but you can also add other spices and seasonings to enhance the flavour of your ribs.

To make a dry rub, start by measuring out your chosen spices and seasonings. You can use pre-made spice blends or create your own custom blend by mixing and matching different spices. Common ingredients in a dry rub for pork spareribs include brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, chilli powder, or even apple cider vinegar if your barbecue sauce is on the sweeter side.

Once you have your desired combination of spices, mix them together in a small bowl. You can adjust the measurements of each spice to your taste preferences. Be sure to mix the spices well so that the flavours are evenly distributed.

After mixing your dry rub, it's time to apply it to the ribs. Remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs first, as this will allow for better flavour absorption and tenderness. Then, take your spice mixture and generously rub it all over the ribs, making sure to cover both sides evenly. Massage the rub into the meat, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies.

The dry rub will not only add flavour to your pork spareribs but also help create a delicious crust when cooked in the crock pot. You can prepare the dry rub ahead of time and store it in an airtight container if you wish to make it in advance. Simply rub it onto the ribs when you're ready to cook and place them in the crock pot according to your chosen recipe.

Stuck Drain Plug: How to Remove It?

You may want to see also

cycookery

Cooking the ribs

First, prepare the ribs by removing the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is optional but recommended for tenderness, as it allows the ribs to better absorb the flavours during the cooking process.

Next, create a dry rub for the ribs. This can be done by mixing together spices such as brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Generously rub the dry rub all over the ribs, making sure to cover both sides.

Now, prepare your crock pot. Set it to low and spray the inside with a non-stick cooking spray to help with cleanup. Place the ribs in the crock pot, standing them up along the edge of the pot with the meatier side facing outwards. You may need to cut the ribs to make them fit.

At this point, you can add additional ingredients to the crock pot for extra flavour. Some options include sliced onion, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or water. You can also pour in your chosen barbecue sauce, or add this later.

Finally, cook the ribs on a low heat for 8 hours or on a high heat for 4 hours. If you want to add a bit of caramelisation to the ribs, cook them on the high setting.

cycookery

Storing leftovers

If you want to freeze your leftover ribs, you can do so for up to 2 to 3 months. Double-wrap the ribs tightly in aluminium foil and place them in an airtight container before freezing. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen ribs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat them in the oven at 250-350°F for about 30 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat the ribs on the stove by placing them in a pot or skillet and simmering on low heat until warmed through. Slather on plenty of barbecue sauce to get them nice and saucy again.

Some people have even mentioned making street tacos with their leftover crockpot ribs! So, get creative and enjoy your delicious leftover ribs!

Frequently asked questions

You will need pork ribs, barbecue sauce, onion, garlic, and water or broth. For a dry rub, you can use a combination of paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Depending on the recipe, you can cook pork spareribs in a crock pot for anywhere between 4 and 8 hours. The longer you cook them, the more tender they will be.

Set your crock pot to low or slow cook. If you want to cook your ribs faster, you can set it to high.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment