Crockpot Ribs

Baby back spareribs are incredibly delicious, but smoking them can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. This recipe uses a crockpot to do the work for you, allowing you to set it, forget it, and come home to tender, tasty ribs.

To save time in the morning, I like to prepare the ribs the night before. In the morning, I simply pull the crock out of the fridge, turn it on, and enjoy my first cup of coffee.

For the dry rub, I make my own using common pantry ingredients. I start with about a quarter cup of brown sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of kosher salt. Then, I add onion powder, garlic salt, paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, and cumin. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Alternatively, you can use a prepared rub from the grocery store if that’s more convenient.

The crockpot seals in the moisture, resulting in ribs so tender that the meat falls off the bone. I like to serve them with a side salad and a vegetable.

Ingredients: 

1 package of Saint Louis-style spareribs 

1/4 cup brown sugar 

2-3 Tbsp kosher salt 

1 tsp smoked paprika 

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic salt

1 tsp onion powder 

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp dry mustard

dash of cayenne pepper 

dash of liquid smoke 

Directions:  

Remove the ribs from the package and pat dry. 

The next step is to remove the blueish membrane on the back of the ribs. Use a kitchen knife to lift off the corner of the membrane. Start working your fingers under the membrane and peel it off.  

Divide the ribs into 4 sections. This will make them easy to handle and fit in the crockpot. 

Apply the rub to the top and bottom of each rib. 

Layer the ribs in the crockpot.  Add a few dashes of liquid smoke. Place the crock in the fridge.

The next morning, pull the crock from the fridge and place it into the heating element. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours. 

When your ribs have finished cooking, carefully remove them from the crockpot and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush barbeque sauce on top of each rib. Place the ribs under the broiler for 3 minutes. This will warm and caramelize the sauce   

Serve with a side and enjoy!  

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