Country style ribs are a staple of American barbecue, known for their tender, fall-off-the-bone texture and rich, meaty flavor. While they can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling and oven roasting, cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender, juicy results with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker, provide tips and techniques for achieving the best results, and offer a few delicious recipe ideas to get you started.
The Benefits of Cooking Country Style Ribs in a Slow Cooker
Cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker offers a number of benefits, including:
- Tender, fall-off-the-bone texture: The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in tender, easily shredded ribs.
- Easy to prepare: Simply season the ribs, place them in the slow cooker, and let the appliance do the work for you.
- Minimal mess: The slow cooker contains the mess, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flexibility: Cook the ribs on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, depending on your schedule.
Choosing the Right Country Style Ribs
When selecting country style ribs, look for the following characteristics:
- Meatiness: Country style ribs should be meaty and thick, with a good balance of fat and lean meat.
- Bone structure: The ribs should have a sturdy bone structure, with the bones spaced evenly apart.
- Marbling: A good country style rib should have a moderate amount of marbling, or fat, throughout the meat.
Preparing Country Style Ribs for the Slow Cooker
Before cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Remove the membrane: The membrane, or pleura, is a thin layer of tissue that covers the bony side of the ribs. Removing it helps the rub penetrate the meat and promotes tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
- Season the ribs: Apply a dry rub or marinade to the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Brown the ribs (optional): Browning the ribs in a skillet before cooking them in the slow cooker adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the finished dish.
Basic Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs Recipe
Here’s a basic recipe for slow cooker country style ribs:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds country style ribs
- 1/4 cup dry rub (see below for recipe)
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup beer or apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
- Remove the membrane from the ribs and season them with the dry rub.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- If desired, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve the ribs hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions.
Dry Rub Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until well combined.
- Store the rub in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Variations on the Basic Recipe
Here are a few variations on the basic slow cooker country style ribs recipe:
- Korean-style ribs: Replace the dry rub with a Korean-inspired marinade made with gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Jamaican jerk ribs: Replace the dry rub with a jerk seasoning made with allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and nutmeg.
- Sweet and smoky ribs: Add 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup to the dry rub and cook the ribs with 1/4 cup wood chips or chunks.
Tips and Techniques for Achieving the Best Results
Here are a few tips and techniques for achieving the best results when cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker:
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the ribs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Don’t overcook the ribs: Cook the ribs until they’re tender and easily shredded, but still retain some texture.
- Use a slow cooker liner: A slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the ribs from sticking to the appliance.
- Experiment with different seasonings: Try different dry rubs, marinades, and sauces to find your favorite flavor combinations.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating deliciously tender and flavorful country style ribs in your slow cooker.
What are country style ribs and how do they differ from other types of ribs?
Country style ribs are a type of pork rib that is cut from the shoulder or loin area, rather than the ribcage. They are typically meatier and less bony than traditional pork ribs, with a more uniform texture and a milder flavor. This makes them well-suited for slow cooking methods, as they can become tender and fall-apart with minimal effort.
One of the main advantages of country style ribs is their versatility. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, from slow cooking to grilling or pan-frying, and can be seasoned with a wide range of spices and sauces. They are also generally less expensive than traditional pork ribs, making them a great option for those on a budget.
What are the benefits of cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker?
Cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender, fall-apart results with minimal effort. The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and easy to shred. This method is also great for busy people, as it allows you to simply add the ribs and your choice of seasonings to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Another benefit of slow cooking country style ribs is that it allows for a rich, depth of flavor to develop. As the ribs cook, the seasonings and sauces penetrate deep into the meat, creating a rich, complex flavor profile that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods. This makes slow cooked country style ribs a great option for special occasions or holidays.
What type of slow cooker is best for cooking country style ribs?
When it comes to cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker, the type of slow cooker you use can make a big difference. A large, oval-shaped slow cooker is ideal, as it allows you to fit a large rack of ribs in a single layer. This helps to ensure that the ribs cook evenly and prevents them from becoming crowded or steamed instead of browned.
A slow cooker with a digital interface and multiple heat settings is also a good option. This allows you to customize the cooking time and temperature to your liking, and to easily switch between different heat settings as needed. Some slow cookers also come with additional features, such as a sauté function or a built-in thermometer, which can be useful for achieving the perfect results.
How long does it take to cook country style ribs in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for country style ribs in a slow cooker will depend on the size and thickness of the ribs, as well as the heat setting you use. Generally, you can expect to cook country style ribs on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. It’s always a good idea to check the ribs periodically to ensure they are tender and falling apart easily.
It’s also important to note that the ribs may be done before the full cooking time has elapsed. If you prefer your ribs to be more tender, you can cook them for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. On the other hand, if you prefer them to be slightly firmer, you can cook them for a shorter amount of time.
What are some common seasonings and sauces used for country style ribs?
There are many different seasonings and sauces that you can use for country style ribs, depending on your personal preferences. Some popular options include barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder. You can also use a dry rub made from spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
In addition to these seasonings, you can also add other ingredients to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor of the ribs. Some ideas include diced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, as well as a can of diced tomatoes or a splash of beer. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.
Can I cook country style ribs in a slow cooker with the bone in or boneless?
Both bone-in and boneless country style ribs can be cooked in a slow cooker, although bone-in ribs may be more tender and flavorful. The bone acts as an insulator, helping to keep the meat moist and tender as it cooks. However, boneless ribs can also be delicious, especially if you use a flavorful sauce or seasoning.
If you do choose to cook bone-in ribs, be sure to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking. This will help the seasonings penetrate the meat more easily and prevent the ribs from becoming tough.
How do I serve country style ribs cooked in a slow cooker?
There are many different ways to serve country style ribs cooked in a slow cooker, depending on your personal preferences. Some popular options include serving the ribs with a side of coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. You can also serve them on a bun, topped with barbecue sauce and other toppings such as diced onions and pickles.
In addition to these ideas, you can also use the ribs in a variety of other dishes, such as tacos, salads, or pasta sauces. The key is to be creative and experiment with different combinations to find the one that works best for you.