Emilie Meyer
Cooking ribs in a crock pot with root beer is an easy way to make tender and delicious ribs. The root beer gives the ribs a slight vanilla-molasses infusion, which is enhanced with a sticky, spicy barbecue sauce. This method of cooking ribs is perfect for those who want to prep their ribs and then forget about them until they are tender and ready to eat. The low and slow heat of the crock pot helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour, making it a family favourite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ribs | Baby back ribs or spare ribs |
| Crock pot temperature | High for 3-4 hours or low for 5-8 hours |
| Oven temperature | Very low heat |
| Root beer quantity | 1/2 cup to 1 cup |
| Additional ingredients | Salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, chilli powder, paprika, onion, sugar, cornstarch, barbecue sauce |
| Nutritional information | Calories: 728kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 66g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 251mg, Sodium: 987mg, Potassium: 1203mg, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 225IU, Vitamin C: 1.7mg, Calcium: 98mg, Iron: 3.4mg |
| Side dishes | Corn on the cob, potato salad, crockpot baked beans, corn soufflé, coleslaw |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ribs
Baby back ribs are taken from the upper middle of the rib cage between the spine and the spare ribs, below the loin muscle. They are usually meatier and shorter than spare ribs. Spare ribs, on the other hand, are cut from the lower portion of the rib cage and tend to have a higher fat content. St. Louis-style ribs are similar to spare ribs but have an extra membrane that needs to be removed.
When selecting ribs, it is important to look for ribs with a good amount of meat on them. The meat should be firm and not too fatty. A good rule of thumb is to choose ribs that are bright red in colour, indicating freshness. Avoid ribs that have a lot of surface moisture, as this can be a sign of aging.
It is also important to consider the size of the ribs. If you are cooking for a smaller group, you may want to choose a smaller rack of ribs or cut a full rack in half. This will ensure that the ribs fit comfortably in your crockpot and cook evenly.
Lastly, when purchasing ribs, it is always best to choose high-quality, fresh meat from a reputable butcher or grocery store. This will ensure that your crockpot root beer ribs turn out tender, juicy, and full of flavour.
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Preparing the ribs
Once you have your ribs, you'll need to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is important for the best eating experience. Then, you can choose to apply a dry rub to your ribs. This can be as simple as salt and pepper, or you can create a more complex mixture by combining spices like oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, and paprika or sugar, chili powder, salt, onion powder, and allspice. Spread the spice mixture over the meaty side of the ribs and gently rub it in until the ribs are coated.
Next, you'll want to cut your rack of ribs in half so that they cook evenly. You may also need to cut the racks of ribs to fit them in your crock pot if necessary. Spray your crock pot with a non-stick cooking spray, or use a liner, and then place the ribs inside.
Now it's time to add the liquid. Pour half a cup to one cup of root beer into the crock pot. You can also add barbecue sauce at this stage if you like, or you can brush it on after cooking. However, it's important to note that adding barbecue sauce too early can cause it to burn, so it's recommended to add it later in the cooking process.
Finally, cover your crock pot and set the temperature and timing. You can cook the ribs on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 8 hours. The longer you cook them, the more tender they will become, but be careful not to overcook them, as the meat can become mushy.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for ribs in a crockpot vary depending on the heat setting. On high heat, cook the ribs for 3 to 4 hours. On low heat, cook the ribs for 5 to 8 hours.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the desired level of doneness. For example, some recipes suggest cooking the ribs on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, while others recommend 5 to 6 hours or even up to 8 hours. The ribs are done when they are very tender and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
To ensure the ribs are cooked through and tender, it is recommended to cook them slowly on low heat. This allows the meat to tenderize and absorb flavours effectively. Cooking the ribs on high heat for a shorter period of time can also produce tasty results, but be careful not to overcook them as the meat can become mushy and lose its desirable meaty consistency.
After removing the ribs from the crockpot, it is suggested to place them in a warm oven or wrap them in foil to keep them warm while you prepare the sauce and finish the dish.
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Making the sauce
First, you'll want to heat a saucepan to a medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Next, add your onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent. This usually takes around 7-8 minutes. You can then add the root beer and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for around 5-7 minutes, reducing the liquid by half.
At this point, you can add any additional spices or ingredients to enhance the flavour of the sauce. For example, you could add some chipotle for a smokey flavour, or extra sugar for a sweeter sauce. You could also add cornstarch to thicken the sauce, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finally, brush the sauce onto the ribs before serving. You can also serve the remaining sauce on the side, for those who like their ribs extra saucy!
The sauce is a critical component of these crockpot ribs, and the root beer gives it a unique and delicious flavour that will have your guests asking for more.
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Serving suggestions
These mouth-watering ribs are perfect for a barbecue or a casual get-together. They are also a great option for busy days when you want a fuss-free dinner ready when you get home.
You can serve these ribs with crockpot baked beans, corn souffle, creamed corn, potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, or a fruit salad with Sprite. If you want to keep it simple, just serve with some extra barbecue sauce on the side.
For a more indulgent option, brush the ribs with extra sauce and finish them off under the grill or in the oven. You could even coat them with barbecue sauce and bake them until the sauce caramelises and sticks to the meat.
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and warm them through.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times vary depending on the heat setting and the amount of meat you're cooking. For low heat, cook the ribs for 5-8 hours. For high heat, cook the ribs for 3.5-4 hours.
The ribs should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Baby back ribs are a popular choice for this recipe. Spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs can also be used, but they may require additional preparation.
No, it is recommended to use regular root beer for this recipe.
