Best Slow Cooker Spare Ribs (Baby Back Ribs)

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Do you want to make a delicious and succulent dinner that takes minimal effort? Then look no further than slow cooker spare ribs! After just a few minutes of prep, your spare ribs will be simmering in the slow cooker for hours until they are tender and fall-off-the-bone perfection.

Not only is this meal easy to prepare, but it’s full of flavor too. The combination of homemade barbecue sauce and zesty spices add an irresistible punch of taste with every bite!

Read on to find out how to make the best slow cooker ribs.

What Are Spare Ribs?

Spare ribs are a cut of pork that come from the belly and side of the pig. They are usually sold in slabs, with several bones attached to each piece of meat. After cooking, spare ribs will have a tender texture with lots of flavor.

Why Are They Called Spare Ribs?

The name “spare ribs” comes from the fact that they are cut from the side of the pig, which is known as the spare section. This part of the pig has less fat than other cuts, making bone ribs ideal for slow cooking.

Are Spare Ribs Healthy?

Spare ribs are high in protein and can be part of a balanced diet. However, they are also high in fat and calories, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation.

Slow Cooker Vs Crock Pot: Are They The Same?

Yes. The terms “slow cooker” and “crock pot” are often used interchangeably. Both appliances work by using low, even heat to cook food over a long period.

The only difference is that some slow cookers have additional features like timers or pre-set cooking times. Crock Pot is a brand of slow cooker, whereas the term sow cooker refers to any slow cooker appliance.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get started on our slow cooker spare ribs!

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Spare Ribs:

Here are the ingredients for your slow cooker baby back ribs recipe:

• 1 Rack Of Baby Back Ribs
• 4 Cloves Of Garlic or 2 Tsps of Garlic Powder
• ¼ Cup Dark Soy Sauce
• ¼ Cup Sweet Soy Sauce
• ¼ Cup Raw Honey
• ½ Tsp Onion Powder
• ½ Tsp Paprika Powder
• ½ Tsp Cumin

If you don’t have honey you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar instead. This slow cook recipe serves 2-3 people. You’re going to love this slow cooker ribs recipe.

How To Make Slow-Cooker Spare Ribs

Here are the instructions for slow cooker spare ribs.

Step One: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine the onion powder, paprika powder and cumin, and rub the ribs with dry rub.

Step Two: Add Wet Ingredients

Mince the garlic and add the dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce and honey to a bowl. Mix until well combined.

Step Three: Marinade Baby Back Ribs

Brush the marinade over the ribs. Save some of the marinade.

Step Four: Slow Cook Spare Ribs

Cut the ribs in half and place them in the slow cooker. Cook for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.

Step Five: Baste Ribs Hourly

Brush the rack of ribs every hour with the remaining sauce.

Step Six: Serve Spare Ribs

Now your ribs should be bone tender and ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Creating delicious slow cooker spare ribs is easy when you follow this recipe. With little effort, you can have a flavorful dinner on the table with minimal fuss.

What To Serve With Spare Ribs?

Some ideas for sides to serve with your ribs include mashed potatoes or coleslaw. For a vegetarian option, try some grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

Other classic side dishes that go well with pork spare ribs are corn on the cob and macaroni & cheese. Check out our recipe for Instant Pot Corn. It’s buttery and delicious.

We also have a fantastic recipe for gluten-free mac and cheese! It’s a great side dish for baby back ribs!

We love to add bbq sauce to our slow cooker ribs. Whether that is homemade BBQ sauce or shop bought such as Sweet baby ray bbq sauce, it doesn’t matter, slow cooker bbq ribs will taste fantastic with extra bbq sauce.

For a hotter flavor you could add chili powder, cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your slow cooker crockpot ribs.

Finally, don’t forget to finish off your meal with a delicious dessert like apple pie or banana pudding.

What To Do With Spare Rib Trimmings?

Don’t throw away the trimmings from your spare ribs! They make a great snack or appetizer. Simply season them with some salt and pepper, then bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

Serve with some ranch dressing or honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Can I Use Boneless Pork Ribs For This Recipe?

Yes, you can still make slow cooker spare ribs with boneless pork ribs. The cooking time may be slightly shorter since the meat is thinner.

Be sure to check the internal temperature of the ribs before serving to ensure they are cooked through.

Can I Cook Frozen Ribs In The Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can cook frozen ribs in the slow cooker. The cooking time may be slightly longer as the ribs will need to defrost first.

Add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time for frozen ribs. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the ribs before serving to ensure they are cooked through.

More Spare Ribs F&Qs

Are spare ribs beef or pork?

Spare ribs are pork.

What temperature should I cook spare ribs?

The optimal temperature to cook spare ribs is between 200°F and 225°F (93°C-107°C). High heat will cause the meat to dry out, while too low a temperature will take longer for the ribs to become tender.

How long to cook spare ribs in the slow cooker?

It depends on the setting you use. Generally, it takes 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high for the spare ribs to become tender.

How do I know when my spare ribs are done?

When the meat is fork-tender and starts to pull away from the bone, your spare ribs are done. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should register at least 145°F (63°C).

Do I need to cover the spare ribs in the slow cooker?

Yes, you should cover the slow cooker when you cook ribs. The lid helps lock in moisture and heat for even cooking.

If your slow cooker doesn’t have a lid, you can cover the pork ribs with foil for a similar effect.

Do I need to baste my spare ribs?

Yes, basting your spare ribs will help keep them moist and add more flavor.

Simply brush the rack of ribs every hour with the marinade you made earlier. This will ensure that your spare ribs are tender and juicy!

What To Do With Leftover Ribs?

Any leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can You Freeze Spare Ribs?

Yes, you can freeze spare ribs. Make sure to wrap them in an airtight container or bag before freezing.

To thaw, leave in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Can Dogs Eat Spare Ribs Bones?

No, you should not give dogs spare rib bones. Bones can splinter and cause choking and other serious health issues.

If you want to share some food with your canine friend, stick to cooked meat or vegetables. Avoid giving dogs bones.

We hope you enjoyed this recipe for crock pot bbq ribs recipe. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. These are the best slow-cook ribs and a real hit every time we make them.

More Easy Slow-Cooker Recipes

If you loved this slow cooker ribs recipe then you may enjoy the following slow cooker ideas:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Gravy
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Slow Cooker Jamaican Chili
• Slow Cooker Vegetable Casserole