ADVERTISEMENT
Pork ribs are a true delight for any meat lover, especially when they’re so tender and flavorful that they practically fall off the bone. While traditional methods often involve meticulous attention—wrapping them in foil, monitoring the grill, and basting continuously—there’s an easier way to achieve that succulent, finger-licking goodness right at home: your trusty slow cooker! This method simplifies the process and still delivers results that are as impressive as the more labor-intensive techniques.
Using your slow cooker not only saves time but also infuses the ribs with rich, deep flavors, making them incredibly delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can let your slow cooker handle the hard work. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider making your own barbecue sauce in the slow cooker—just be sure to start it a bit earlier to let the flavors fully develop. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, these slow-cooked ribs are sure to impress with minimal effort.
Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Pork Ribs
Ingredients:
3 pounds pork side ribs (about 2 racks)
2 (12-ounce) cans root beer
2 cups prepared barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Directions
1. Prep the Ribs
Begin by preparing the ribs for cooking. Place the racks of ribs on a large cutting board. You’ll need to remove the silver skin, which is a thin, tough membrane on the back of the ribs. To do this, slide the back of a spoon or a butter knife underneath the membrane at one end of the rack. Once you have a good grip, peel the membrane off with your fingers. This step is crucial as it helps the seasonings penetrate the meat and ensures the ribs are tender.
Season both sides of the ribs generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it helps to build a flavor base that will complement the root beer and barbecue sauce.
2. Cook the Ribs
Place the seasoned ribs into a 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange them so they fit snugly but are not overly crowded. Pour the root beer over the ribs, making sure they’re fully submerged. The root beer acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down the connective tissue in the meat, resulting in tender, juicy ribs.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the ribs to become incredibly tender and infused with the sweet, complex flavors of the root beer.
3. Add the BBQ Sauce
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. Be gentle as they will be very tender and might fall apart easily. Discard the cooking liquid. Return the ribs to the slow cooker and brush them generously with your prepared barbecue sauce, ensuring every inch is coated. The sauce will add a delicious caramelized glaze to the ribs.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for another hour. This final step allows the barbecue sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful coating on the ribs.
4. Serving Suggestions
ADVERTISEMENT
