Spare ribs are a classic comfort food that can be a bit intimidating to cook, especially for those who are new to slow cooking. However, with the right techniques and a little patience, you can create tender, fall-off-the-bone delicious spare ribs that will impress even the pickiest of eaters. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook spare ribs in the slow cooker, including preparation, cooking, and finishing touches.
Choosing the Right Spare Ribs
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right spare ribs for your slow cooker. You can opt for either pork or beef spare ribs, but pork is the most popular choice. When selecting spare ribs, look for the following characteristics:
- Meaty ribs with a good amount of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist during cooking
- Ribs with a uniform thickness, as this will ensure even cooking
- Avoid ribs with a lot of connective tissue, as this can make the meat tough
You can purchase spare ribs at your local butcher or grocery store. If you’re having trouble finding spare ribs, you can also ask your butcher to cut a rack of ribs into individual portions.
Preparing the Spare Ribs
Once you have your spare ribs, it’s time to prepare them for cooking. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, as this will help the rub penetrate the meat and promote even cooking
- Trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the ribs
- Cut the ribs into individual portions, if desired
Creating a Dry Rub
A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that you apply to the spare ribs before cooking. This helps to add flavor and tenderize the meat. Here’s a simple dry rub recipe you can use:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper | 1 tablespoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 teaspoon |
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Apply the dry rub evenly to both sides of the spare ribs, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
Cooking the Spare Ribs in the Slow Cooker
Now that your spare ribs are prepared, it’s time to cook them in the slow cooker. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Place the spare ribs in the slow cooker, either standing upright or laying flat
- Add your favorite barbecue sauce to the slow cooker, making sure to cover the ribs completely
- Cook the spare ribs on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours
- After 6 hours, check the ribs for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If it slides in easily, the ribs are done. If not, continue cooking for another 30 minutes and check again
Finishing Touches
Once the spare ribs are cooked, it’s time to add some finishing touches. Here are a few ideas:
- Brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking
- Sprinkle the ribs with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme
- Serve the ribs with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when cooking spare ribs in the slow cooker:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)
- Experiment with different types of barbecue sauce, such as Kansas City-style or Carolina-style
- Add some wood chips or chunks to the slow cooker for a smoky flavor
- Try using different types of ribs, such as baby back ribs or St. Louis-style pork ribs
Serving and Storage
Once the spare ribs are cooked, it’s time to serve and store them. Here are a few tips:
- Serve the ribs hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and your favorite sides
- Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat the ribs in the slow cooker or oven until hot and tender
Conclusion
Cooking spare ribs in the slow cooker is a simple and delicious way to create tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. By following these steps and tips, you can create a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker or just starting out, this guide will help you to create delicious spare ribs that will impress even the pickiest of eaters.
What are the benefits of cooking spare ribs in a slow cooker?
Cooking spare ribs in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender and delicious results with minimal effort. One of the main benefits of using a slow cooker is that it allows for low and slow cooking, which breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it fall-off-the-bone tender. This method also helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the ribs, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish.
Additionally, cooking spare ribs in a slow cooker is a convenient and hands-off process. Simply season the ribs, place them in the slow cooker, and let the appliance do the work for you. This is perfect for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. You can also cook the ribs while you’re away from home, and come back to a delicious and ready-to-eat meal.
What type of spare ribs is best suited for slow cooking?
The best type of spare ribs for slow cooking is pork spare ribs, specifically the St. Louis-style pork spare ribs. These ribs are meatier and have more fat, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. The fat helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful, and the meaty texture becomes tender and falls off the bone after slow cooking.
You can also use baby back ribs or country-style ribs, but St. Louis-style pork spare ribs are the most popular choice for slow cooking. If you can’t find St. Louis-style ribs, you can also use regular pork spare ribs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
How do I prepare the spare ribs for slow cooking?
To prepare the spare ribs for slow cooking, start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help the rub penetrate the meat and make the ribs more tender. Next, trim any excess fat and cartilage from the ribs, and cut them into a uniform size so that they cook evenly.
Then, season the ribs with your favorite dry rub or marinade, making sure to coat them evenly. You can also add some brown sugar, smoked paprika, or other spices to give the ribs a sweet and smoky flavor. Let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat before placing them in the slow cooker.
What is the best cooking liquid to use for slow-cooked spare ribs?
The best cooking liquid to use for slow-cooked spare ribs is a combination of barbecue sauce, stock, and vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, while the barbecue sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also use beer, wine, or other liquids to add more flavor to the ribs.
When choosing a cooking liquid, make sure it’s not too thick or too thin. A good rule of thumb is to use a liquid that’s about 1/4 cup per pound of ribs. You can also add some aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots to the cooking liquid for added flavor.
How long does it take to cook spare ribs in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for spare ribs in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size and type of ribs, as well as the temperature of the slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 8-10 hours to cook spare ribs on low heat, and 4-6 hours on high heat.
It’s best to cook the ribs on low heat for a longer period of time to achieve tender and fall-off-the-bone results. You can also check the ribs for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If it slides in easily, the ribs are done. If not, cover the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour.
Can I finish the spare ribs under the broiler for a crispy texture?
Yes, you can finish the spare ribs under the broiler for a crispy texture. After cooking the ribs in the slow cooker, remove them from the cooking liquid and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the ribs with some barbecue sauce or a glaze, and broil them in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re caramelized and crispy.
Keep an eye on the ribs while they’re under the broiler, as they can burn quickly. You can also use a kitchen torch to add a crispy texture to the ribs. This step is optional, but it adds a nice texture and flavor to the ribs.
How do I store and reheat leftover spare ribs?
To store leftover spare ribs, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
To reheat the spare ribs, you can place them in the slow cooker with some barbecue sauce or cooking liquid, and heat them on low for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also reheat them in the oven, wrapped in foil, at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until they’re heated through.