Description
Delicious and tender Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs cooked low and slow for 5 hours and finished under the broiler for a caramelized, flavorful glaze. This recipe uses a flavorful dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce to create ribs that fall off the bone and are perfect for a comforting meal any time.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs and Dry Rub
- 3 to 3 ½ pounds pork baby back ribs (3.25 lbs used)
- 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 as 2 cups, ½ cup, and ½ cup for finishing)
Instructions
- Remove membrane: Carefully remove the tough, opaque membrane from the underside of the ribs using a small sharp knife. Lift the membrane edge and slide the knife underneath, then use fingers to peel it away. This improves texture and flavor.
- Make dry rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well.
- Apply rub: Spread two-thirds of the dry rub over the meaty side of the ribs and then apply the remaining one-third over the underside where the membrane was removed.
- Prepare slow cooker: Spray a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Coat ribs with BBQ sauce: Spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the meaty side of the ribs using a spoon or basting brush.
- Place ribs in slow cooker: Position the ribs with the meaty side facing the sides of the slow cooker.
- Add more sauce inside ribs: Spread ½ cup of BBQ sauce on the inside of the ribs.
- Pour sauce on top ridge: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top ridge of the ribs, leaving ½ cup for broiling later.
- Cook low and slow: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 5 hours until very tender.
- Preheat broiler: Near the end of cooking time, preheat the oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Transfer ribs: Using tongs or a large spatula, carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the prepared baking sheet. The ribs will be very tender and may need to be transferred in sections.
- Baste and broil: Brush ribs with the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbling and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve ribs hot right after broiling for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Removing the membrane is essential for tender ribs and better flavor absorption.
- Use disposable gloves when handling raw meat for safety.
- Broil the ribs carefully and closely monitor to prevent burning the sauce.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on your slow cooker size and brand.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce brand for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ ribs, baby back ribs, slow cooker ribs, barbecue recipe, easy ribs, tender ribs
