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Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs Recipe Easy Fall-Off-the-Bone Flavor Guide

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This easy slow cooker BBQ ribs recipe delivers tender, juicy ribs with a rich smoky flavor and fall-off-the-bone texture, perfect for busy nights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds baby back ribs or St. Louis style ribs, trimmed of excess fat and membrane removed
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (240 ml), your favorite brand or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • ½ cup water (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Remove the thin silver skin membrane on the back of the ribs by sliding a sharp knife under the membrane at one end, grabbing it with a paper towel, and gently pulling it off. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. (2 minutes)
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, massaging the rub in to help flavor penetrate the meat. (5 minutes)
  4. Place ribs in the slow cooker in a coil or layered if needed, meat side facing up. Pour water into the base to keep everything moist. (3 minutes)
  5. Pour the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar over the ribs, spreading it evenly to cover but not drown the ribs. (2 minutes)
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until ribs are tender and falling off the bone. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. (6-7 hours)
  7. Optional finishing step: Preheat oven broiler to high. Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet and brush with extra BBQ sauce. Broil for 3-5 minutes until edges bubble and slightly char. Watch closely to avoid burning. (5-7 minutes)

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tender ribs. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to retain moisture. For a caramelized finish, broil ribs after slow cooking or finish on a hot grill. Adjust BBQ sauce for spice or smokiness as desired. Use gluten-free BBQ sauce for gluten-free diet. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ribs, BBQ ribs, tender ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs, easy ribs recipe, slow cooker BBQ, pork ribs, comfort food