The sweet and tangy flavors of BBQ spare ribs are a staple of summer gatherings and backyard barbecues. However, achieving that perfect fall-off-the-bone tenderness can be a challenge, especially when cooking for a large crowd. That’s where a slow cooker comes in – a game-changing kitchen appliance that allows you to cook delicious, tender BBQ spare ribs with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make mouth-watering BBQ spare ribs in a slow cooker.
Understanding the Basics of BBQ Spare Ribs
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the basics of BBQ spare ribs. Spare ribs are a type of pork rib that is meatier than baby back ribs. They are typically cut from the belly side of the pig and are known for their rich, unctuous flavor. When cooking spare ribs, it’s crucial to cook them low and slow to break down the connective tissues and achieve that tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
Choosing the Right Type of Spare Ribs
When selecting spare ribs, look for racks that are meaty and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can choose either St. Louis-style pork spare ribs or regular pork spare ribs. St. Louis-style ribs are trimmed to remove the breastbone and cartilage, making them easier to cook and eat.
Preparing the Spare Ribs for Slow Cooking
To prepare the spare ribs for slow cooking, you’ll need to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This membrane can make the ribs tough and chewy, so it’s essential to remove it before cooking.
Removing the Membrane
To remove the membrane, follow these steps:
- Flip the ribs over and locate the membrane, which is a thin, translucent layer of tissue.
- Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off in one piece.
- If the membrane tears, use a knife to cut it away from the ribs.
The Slow Cooker BBQ Spare Ribs Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to move on to the recipe. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for slow cooker BBQ spare ribs:
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of pork spare ribs (St. Louis-style or regular)
- 1/4 cup BBQ rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup beer (optional)
- 1 cup wood chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ rub, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and apply the dry rub evenly to both racks of ribs.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker, bone-side down.
- Pour in the BBQ sauce, beer, and wood chips (if using).
- Cover the slow cooker and cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
Wood Chips and Liquid Smoke: Adding Depth to Your BBQ Spare Ribs
To add depth and smokiness to your BBQ spare ribs, you can use wood chips or liquid smoke. Wood chips are a great way to add a smoky flavor to your ribs, while liquid smoke can enhance the overall flavor. Here are some popular types of wood chips and liquid smoke you can use:
- Wood chips: hickory, apple, cherry, or mesquite
- Liquid smoke: hickory, apple, or mesquite
Finishing Touches: Glazing and Resting the Ribs
After 8-10 hours of slow cooking, the ribs should be tender and falling off the bone. To add a sweet and sticky glaze, follow these steps:
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons honey.
- Brush the glaze evenly over both racks of ribs.
- Return the ribs to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Resting the Ribs: The Final Step
Once the ribs are glazed, it’s essential to let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the meat to redistribute and the juices to settle. To rest the ribs, follow these steps:
- Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board.
- Cover the ribs with aluminum foil and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the ribs into individual portions and serve.
Tips and Variations for Slow Cooker BBQ Spare Ribs
Here are some tips and variations to help you take your slow cooker BBQ spare ribs to the next level:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce, such as Kansas City-style or Carolina-style.
- Add some heat to your ribs by incorporating diced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the dry rub.
- Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier and prevent the ribs from sticking to the slow cooker.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Slow Cooker BBQ Spare Ribs
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking slow cooker BBQ spare ribs:
- Overcooking the ribs, which can make them dry and tough.
- Not removing the membrane from the back of the ribs, which can make them chewy.
- Not using enough BBQ sauce, which can result in dry and flavorless ribs.
Conclusion
Slow cooker BBQ spare ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues. By following this step-by-step guide, you can achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with minimal effort. Remember to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, use a dry rub to add flavor, and glaze the ribs with BBQ sauce for a sweet and sticky finish. With these tips and variations, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a BBQ master.
What type of ribs is best for slow cooker BBQ spare ribs?
The best type of ribs for slow cooker BBQ spare ribs is pork spare ribs. They are meatier and have more fat, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. You can choose either St. Louis-style pork spare ribs or baby back ribs, but St. Louis-style ribs are preferred because they have more meat and are easier to handle.
When selecting ribs, look for ones with a good balance of meat and fat. Avoid ribs that are too lean, as they may become dry during the slow cooking process. You can also ask your butcher to trim the ribs for you, or you can do it yourself by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs.
How long does it take to cook BBQ spare ribs in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for BBQ spare ribs in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the ribs and the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat to cook the ribs until they are tender and fall-off-the-bone.
It’s essential to check the ribs periodically to ensure they are cooked to your liking. You can check 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 use a different type of BBQ sauce for my slow cooker ribs?
Yes, you can use a different type of BBQ sauce for your slow cooker ribs. While the recipe may call for a specific type of BBQ sauce, you can experiment with different flavors and brands to find the one you like best. Some popular BBQ sauce options include Kansas City-style, Carolina-style, and sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
When using a different type of BBQ sauce, keep in mind that the flavor profile may change. For example, if you use a sweeter BBQ sauce, the ribs may be more caramelized and sweet. If you use a tangier BBQ sauce, the ribs may have a more acidic flavor. You can also mix and match different BBQ sauces to create a unique flavor.
How do I prevent my slow cooker ribs from becoming too dry?
To prevent your slow cooker ribs from becoming too dry, it’s essential to keep them moist during the cooking process. You can do this by adding a liquid to the slow cooker, such as BBQ sauce, stock, or beer. You can also cover the slow cooker with a lid to trap the moisture and heat.
Another way to prevent dry ribs is to avoid overcooking them. Check the ribs periodically to ensure they are cooked to your liking. If you notice the ribs are becoming dry, you can brush them with more BBQ sauce or add more liquid to the slow cooker.
Can I cook my slow cooker ribs on high heat?
Yes, you can cook your slow cooker ribs on high heat, but it’s not recommended. Cooking the ribs on high heat can cause them to cook too quickly, leading to tough and dry meat. Slow cooking the ribs on low heat allows the meat to break down and become tender and fall-off-the-bone.
If you do choose to cook your ribs on high heat, make sure to check them frequently to avoid overcooking. You can also reduce the cooking time by half, but keep in mind that the ribs may not be as tender as they would be if cooked on low heat.
How do I store leftover slow cooker ribs?
To store leftover slow cooker ribs, let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them. You can store the ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
When reheating the ribs, you can wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven or microwave. You can also reheat them in the slow cooker by adding more BBQ sauce and cooking on low heat for a few hours.
Can I make slow cooker ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make slow cooker ribs ahead of time. In fact, slow cooking the ribs ahead of time can make them even more tender and flavorful. You can cook the ribs a day or two before serving and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
When making slow cooker ribs ahead of time, make sure to cook them until they are tender, then let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. You can reheat the ribs when you’re ready to serve them, and they’ll be just as delicious as if you had cooked them that day.