Introduction
Slow cooker St. Louis-style pork ribs are a true delight for barbecue lovers. With a blend of spices and a rich barbecue sauce, these ribs become incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 6 pounds St. Louis-style pork ribs
– 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
– ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
– 24 ounces (1 jar) barbecue sauce
– ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (if using a sweet barbecue sauce)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5-6 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (excluding prep time)
Yield: Serves approximately 6-8 people
Enjoy crafting this mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress family and friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Set the slow cooker to low and spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the ribs from sticking during cooking.
Step 2: Remove the Silver Membrane
Take the St. Louis-style pork ribs and carefully remove the silver membrane from the back. This step helps the ribs absorb flavors better and become more tender.
Step 3: Mix the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of smoked paprika, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Apply the Spice Rub
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, ensuring that each rib is well coated for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Brush with Barbecue Sauce
Using a brush, apply barbecue sauce generously on both sides of the ribs. This adds moisture and enhances the flavor during cooking.
Step 6: Arrange the Ribs in the Slow Cooker
Place the ribs in the slow cooker in an upright position, with the meaty side pressed against the inside wall of the cooker. This helps the ribs cook evenly.
Step 7: Add Remaining Barbecue Sauce
Pour any remaining barbecue sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker. If you are using a sweet barbecue sauce, add ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar on top for a tangy contrast.
Step 8: Cook the Ribs
Cover the slow cooker and let the ribs cook on low for 5-6 hours. Check for doneness; the meat should be fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone.
Step 9: Prepare for Serving
Once the ribs are cooked, you can serve them with additional barbecue sauce. Alternatively, strain the cooking juices through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium saucepan.
Step 10: Reduce the Sauce
Bring the strained sauce to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture reduces to about 2 cups.
Step 11: Slice and Serve
To serve, slice the meat between the bones of the ribs. Serve with the reduced barbecue sauce on the side for extra flavor.
Notes
Note 1: Ribs Selection
Make sure to choose high-quality St. Louis-style pork ribs for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Note 2: Cooking Time Variation
Cooking times may vary based on the slow cooker model and the thickness of the ribs; ensure that the meat is fork-tender for best results.
Note 3: Adjusting Heat Level
If you prefer less heat, you may choose to omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount used in the spice rub.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
These ribs pair well with classic side dishes like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is ideal for ribs as it allows the meat to become tender and flavorful over extended periods. Cooking on the low setting for 5-6 hours results in fall-off-the-bone goodness.
Seasoning
Applying a dry rub made from smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes enhances the flavor of the meat and creates a flavorful crust.
Barbecuing
Brushing barbecue sauce on the ribs before cooking adds moisture and depth of flavor. Using a sweet barbecue sauce combined with apple cider vinegar can balance the sweetness of the sauce with acidity.
Standing Ribs
Arranging the ribs standing upright in the slow cooker, with the meaty side against the wall, allows the heat to circulate evenly and ensures all sides are cooked properly.
Reducing Sauce
After cooking, straining the juices and reducing them on the stove intensifies the flavors and creates a rich sauce that can be served alongside the ribs.
FAQ
How can I tell when the ribs are done cooking?
The ribs are done when the meat is fork-tender and pulls away easily from the bone.
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, other cuts like baby back ribs or spare ribs can be used, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to remove the silver membrane?
Yes, removing the silver membrane helps the rub penetrate the meat, resulting in better flavor and texture.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
A sweet barbecue sauce complements the seasoning blend well, but you can choose any variety based on your taste preference.
Can I cook the ribs on high instead of low in the slow cooker?
While it’s possible to cook on high, it’s recommended to use the low setting for more tender results, which may take about 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
This slow cooker St. Louis-style pork ribs recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs with minimal effort. The combination of spices and barbecue sauce creates a delectable glaze that enhances the natural richness of the pork. Perfect for gatherings, this dish can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Barbecue Chicken Thighs
Replace the pork ribs with bone-in chicken thighs for a juicy and flavorful alternative. Marinate the thighs with the same spice blend and barbecue sauce.
Pork Shoulder Pulled Pork
Use a pork shoulder instead of ribs. Cook it low and slow with the spice rub and sauce for delicious pulled pork sandwiches.
Beef Short Ribs
Substitute St. Louis ribs with beef short ribs for a heartier option. Adjust cooking times accordingly as beef often requires longer to become tender.
Vegetarian BBQ Jackfruit
For a plant-based version, use young green jackfruit marinated in the spice mix and barbecue sauce. Cook in the slow cooker for a delectable meat substitute.
Grilled Ribs
For a lighter summer option, prepare the ribs on a grill. After applying the spice rub, grill them for a smoky flavor, finishing with barbecue sauce for a sticky glaze.
Rib Tacos
Use leftover ribs to create delicious tacos. Shred the meat, mix with barbecue sauce, and serve in warm tortillas topped with coleslaw for added crunch.
