Fall-off-the-bone perfection: Slow cooker ribs recipe
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sinking your teeth into a juicy, tender, and flavorful slab of perfectly cooked ribs. But for many home cooks, achieving that level of perfection can be a daunting task. Enter the slow cooker – the ultimate tool for bringing out the best in your meat. With this slow cooker ribs recipe, you’ll have fall-off-the-bone perfection every time – with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
• 2-3 lbs. baby back ribs
• 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons of onion powder
• 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
Directions:
1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and cut the rack of ribs in half to fit into your slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture and place them in the slow cooker, making sure to coat both sides.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
5. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Brush with additional barbecue sauce and broil for a few minutes until they are crispy and caramelized.
6. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Health benefits:
While ribs are not typically considered a health food, they can be incorporated into a well-balanced diet in moderation. Ribs are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. They are also rich in vitamin B12, which plays a key role in maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.
However, ribs can be high in fat and calories, especially if they are smothered in sugary barbecue sauce. To make this slow cooker ribs recipe more health-conscious, choose a low-sugar barbecue sauce and limit your portion size.
FAQs:
Q: What is the best type of ribs to use for this recipe?
A: Baby back ribs are the best choice for this slow cooker ribs recipe, as they are more tender and require less cooking time than other types of ribs.
Q: Do I need to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs?
A: Yes, removing the membrane helps to create a tender and juicy slab of ribs. If you leave the membrane on, the meat may become tough and chewy.
Q: Can I make this recipe with a different type of meat?
A: Yes, this barbecue sauce mixture would work well with other types of meat such as chicken or pork chops. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.
Q: How can I make the ribs more crispy?
A: To achieve a crispy exterior, broil the ribs in the oven for a few minutes after they finish cooking in the slow cooker. Brush with additional barbecue sauce for added flavor.
In conclusion, this slow cooker ribs recipe is an easy and delicious way to achieve fall-off-the-bone perfection. With minimal effort, you can have juicy, flavorful, and tender ribs that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Just be sure to choose a low-sugar barbecue sauce and enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.