Slow Cooker Tangy Ribs
Cook Time: 5 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 3
Category: Pork
Keywords: Meat, Low Cholesterol
Rating: 5 stars (6 reviews)
Description:
This Slow Cooker Tangy Ribs recipe is a perfect solution for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker allows you to go about your day, run errands, and come back to a tender, flavorful dinner ready to serve. The tangy sauce, made from a combination of ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, adds a rich flavor to these ribs, while the slow cooking ensures the meat falls off the bone.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Vinegar (white or apple cider) | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Ground mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 – 1 teaspoon |
| Canola oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Spareribs (pork or beef, browned) | 2 pounds |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 184.7 |
| Fat | 9.6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8g |
| Cholesterol | 15.2mg |
| Sodium | 960.9mg |
| Carbohydrates | 21.7g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 18.8g |
| Protein | 4g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the ribs:
Start by cutting the spareribs into individual serving-size portions. This helps the ribs cook evenly in the slow cooker. Heat a tablespoon of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ribs on all sides until they develop a nice crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. Browning the ribs adds extra flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step! -
Make the sauce:
In your slow cooker, combine the ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, ground mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the sauce is smooth. This tangy sauce will infuse the ribs with rich, mouthwatering flavor. -
Transfer ribs to slow cooker:
Once the ribs are browned, transfer them into the slow cooker. Make sure the ribs are submerged in the sauce to ensure every bite is flavorful and tender. -
Slow cook the ribs:
Cover the slow cooker and cook the ribs on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the ribs and the power of your slow cooker, but the meat should be tender and falling off the bone when ready. Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as it can lower the temperature and extend the cooking time. -
Serve and enjoy:
Once the ribs are tender, they are ready to be served. You can serve these tangy ribs with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or coleslaw for a complete meal. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the ribs, along with the rich, tangy sauce.
Chef’s Tips:
-
Substitute with beef spareribs:
If you prefer beef over pork, this recipe works just as well with beef spareribs. They will still come out tender and flavorful after slow cooking. -
Add a smoky twist:
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika. This will give the ribs a hint of smokiness, even though they’ve been cooked indoors. -
Adjust the tanginess:
If you prefer a more tangy flavor, feel free to add a little extra vinegar. For a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar by an additional tablespoon. -
Make it spicy:
For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
This recipe is ideal for anyone who enjoys the rich, bold flavors of BBQ-style ribs but prefers the ease and convenience of slow cooking. It’s also a great option for those looking for low-cholesterol meals, as it uses lean spareribs and minimal fat. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or a small gathering, these Slow Cooker Tangy Ribs are sure to be a hit!
