St. Louis-style pork ribs are a staple of American barbecue, known for their tender, fall-off-the-bone texture and rich, meaty flavor. While traditional methods of cooking St. Louis ribs involve hours of slow-smoking over low heat, you can achieve similar results using a slow cooker. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cooking St. Louis ribs in a slow cooker and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
The Benefits of Cooking St. Louis Ribs in a Slow Cooker
Cooking St. Louis ribs in a slow cooker offers several advantages over traditional methods. Here are a few benefits:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to cook food over long periods of time, making them perfect for busy people who want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
- Easy to use: Simply season the ribs, place them in the slow cooker, and let the appliance do the work.
- Tender results: The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
- Less mess: Cooking ribs in a slow cooker contains the mess, making cleanup a breeze.
Choosing the Right Slow Cooker
Not all slow cookers are created equal. When choosing a slow cooker for cooking St. Louis ribs, consider the following factors:
- Size: Look for a slow cooker with a capacity of at least 6 quarts to accommodate a full rack of ribs.
- Temperature control: A slow cooker with adjustable temperature control allows you to customize the cooking temperature to your liking.
- Material: A slow cooker with a heavy, thick ceramic or stoneware insert retains heat well and distributes it evenly.
Recommended Slow Cookers for Cooking St. Louis Ribs
Here are a few slow cookers that are well-suited for cooking St. Louis ribs:
- Crock-Pot 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Hamilton Beach 7-Quart Set & Forget Slow Cooker
- KitchenAid 7-Quart Slow Cooker with Ceramic Insert
Preparing the Ribs
Before cooking the ribs, you’ll need to prepare them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Removing the Membrane
The membrane, also known as the pleura, is a thin layer of tissue that covers the back of the ribs. Removing it helps the rub penetrate the meat and promotes tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
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- Flip the ribs over and locate the membrane.
Seasoning the Ribs
A dry rub is a mixture of spices, herbs, and sometimes sugar that’s applied to the ribs before cooking. Here’s a simple dry rub recipe:
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Ingredient Quantity Brown sugar 1/4 cup Smoked paprika 2 tablespoons Chili powder 1 tablespoon Garlic powder 1 tablespoon Salt 1 tablespoon Black pepper 1 tablespoon - Apply the dry rub evenly to both sides of the ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
Cooking the Ribs
Now that the ribs are prepared, it’s time to cook them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Setting Up the Slow Cooker
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker, bone side down.
- Add your favorite barbecue sauce to the slow cooker, if desired.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 8-10 hours or high heat and cook for 4-6 hours.
Finishing the Ribs
After 8-10 hours of cooking, the ribs should be tender and falling off the bone. Here’s how to finish them:
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- Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
- Brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.
- Place the ribs under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, or until caramelized and crispy.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar provides a nice contrast to the rich, meaty flavor of the ribs.
- Baked beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a classic pairing for ribs.
- Grilled vegetables: Grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini provide a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the ribs.
- Peach cobbler: A warm, flaky peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream provides a sweet and satisfying ending to the meal.
Serving and Enjoying
The ribs are now ready to be served and enjoyed. Here are a few ideas for sides and desserts:
By following these steps and using a slow cooker, you can create deliciously tender St. Louis-style pork ribs that are sure to impress your family and friends.
What are St. Louis Ribs and why are they ideal for slow cooking?
St. Louis Ribs are a type of pork rib that is known for its rich flavor and tender texture. They are ideal for slow cooking because they are meatier than other types of ribs, which makes them perfect for slow cookers. The slow cooking process allows the connective tissues in the meat to break down, resulting in a tender and fall-off-the-bone experience.
The slow cooker is also ideal for St. Louis Ribs because it allows for even heat distribution, which ensures that the ribs are cooked consistently throughout. This is especially important for ribs, as they can be prone to drying out if they are not cooked evenly. By cooking the ribs in a slow cooker, you can ensure that they are tender and juicy, with a rich and flavorful sauce.
What are the benefits of cooking St. Louis Ribs in a slow cooker?
Cooking St. Louis Ribs in a slow cooker has several benefits. One of the main benefits is that it allows for hands-off cooking, which means that you can simply add the ribs to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This is perfect for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Additionally, slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, like ribs, because they allow for low and slow cooking, which breaks down the connective tissues in the meat.
Another benefit of cooking St. Louis Ribs in a slow cooker is that it allows for even heat distribution, which ensures that the ribs are cooked consistently throughout. This is especially important for ribs, as they can be prone to drying out if they are not cooked evenly. By cooking the ribs in a slow cooker, you can ensure that they are tender and juicy, with a rich and flavorful sauce.
How do I prepare St. Louis Ribs for slow cooking?
To prepare St. Louis Ribs for slow cooking, you will need to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is a thin layer of tissue that can make the ribs tough and chewy. To remove the membrane, simply use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off. You can also use a knife to help loosen the membrane if it is stubborn.
Once you have removed the membrane, you can season the ribs with your favorite spices and rubs. You can also add a sauce or marinade to the ribs if you prefer. Some popular seasonings for St. Louis Ribs include paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. You can also add a sauce or marinade to the ribs if you prefer, such as barbecue sauce or a sweet and tangy glaze.
How long does it take to cook St. Louis Ribs in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for St. Louis Ribs in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the ribs and the temperature of the slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 8-10 hours to cook St. Louis Ribs on low heat, and around 4-6 hours to cook them on high heat. You can also cook the ribs on a combination of low and high heat, which can help to speed up the cooking time.
It’s also important to note that the ribs are done when they are tender and fall-off-the-bone. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If it slides in easily, the ribs are done. You can also check for doneness by looking for a rich and caramelized crust on the outside of the ribs.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the St. Louis Ribs?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the St. Louis Ribs. Some popular ingredients to add include onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. You can also add a sauce or marinade to the ribs, such as barbecue sauce or a sweet and tangy glaze. Additionally, you can add some wood chips or chunks to the slow cooker to give the ribs a smoky flavor.
When adding other ingredients to the slow cooker, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if you add potatoes or carrots, you may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time. You can also adjust the amount of liquid in the slow cooker to ensure that the ingredients are covered and cooking evenly.
How do I serve St. Louis Ribs cooked in a slow cooker?
St. Louis Ribs cooked in a slow cooker are best served hot, straight from the slow cooker. You can serve them with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. You can also serve them with a variety of sauces, such as barbecue sauce or a sweet and tangy glaze.
To serve the ribs, simply remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board or platter. You can then cut the ribs into individual portions and serve them to your guests. You can also garnish the ribs with fresh herbs or chives, or serve them with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Can I cook St. Louis Ribs in a slow cooker ahead of time and reheat them later?
Yes, you can cook St. Louis Ribs in a slow cooker ahead of time and reheat them later. In fact, this is a great way to prepare for a party or special occasion. Simply cook the ribs in the slow cooker as directed, then remove them from the slow cooker and let them cool. You can then refrigerate or freeze the ribs until you are ready to reheat them.
To reheat the ribs, simply place them in the slow cooker or oven and heat them until they are hot and tender. You can also reheat the ribs on the grill or in a skillet, if you prefer. Just make sure to heat the ribs until they are hot and tender, and serve them with your favorite sides and sauces.