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Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 104 reviews

Tender and flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs cooked low and slow to perfection with a homemade dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce, finished under the broiler for a caramelized, sticky glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs and Rub

  • 3 to 3 ½ pounds pork baby back ribs (my rack of ribs was 3.25 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cumin

BBQ Sauce

  • 2 ½ cups BBQ sauce, your favorite brand (divided: 2 cups for cooking, ½ cup for broiling)

Instructions

  1. Remove Membrane: Carefully remove the opaque membrane from the underside of the ribs using a small sharp knife by lifting a corner and sliding the knife underneath, then pull it away with your fingers to improve texture and flavor. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended for handling raw meat.
  2. Make Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin, stirring well to mix.
  3. Apply Rub: Spread two-thirds of the dry rub evenly over the meaty side of the ribs, then apply the remaining one-third on the underside where the membrane was removed.
  4. Prep Slow Cooker: Spray a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Apply Initial BBQ Sauce: Use a spoon or basting brush to spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the meaty side of the ribs.
  6. Place Ribs in Slow Cooker: Position the ribs with the meaty side against the sides of the slow cooker.
  7. Coat Inner Side: Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce on the inside of the ribs.
  8. Add Sauce on Top Ridge: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top ridge of the ribs, reserving the last ½ cup for broiling finish.
  9. Slow Cook: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 5 hours until ribs are tender.
  10. Preheat Broiler: Near the end of cooking, preheat your oven broiler and line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil, spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
  11. Transfer Ribs: Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the prepared baking sheet using tongs or a large spatula; ribs will be very tender and may need to be transferred in sections.
  12. Baste and Broil: Brush the ribs with the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely to avoid burning due to variable broiler heat.
  13. Serve: Serve the ribs hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the perfect combination of tender meat and sweet, smoky glaze.

Notes

  • Removing the membrane from the ribs is essential for better flavor and texture.
  • Use disposable gloves when handling raw meat as a safety precaution.
  • Broiler times can vary greatly; keep an eye on the ribs to prevent burning.
  • Slow cooking on low for 5 hours ensures tender and juicy ribs.
  • Reserve some BBQ sauce for the finishing glaze under the broiler for maximum flavor impact.

Keywords: BBQ ribs, slow cooker ribs, baby back ribs, barbecue recipe, tender ribs, easy ribs recipe, slow cooker BBQ, broiled ribs

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/slow-cooker-bbq-baby-back-ribs-recipe/