Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that practically melts in your mouth? Look no further! These slow cooker country-style ribs are the perfect answer for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, or a show-stopping weekend feast. Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times; this recipe unlocks the secret to tender, juicy ribs with minimal effort. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cooking bliss!
Ingredients for Tender Slow Cooker Country Ribs
This recipe is designed to feed 4-6 people, but it's easily adaptable for larger crowds.
- 3 lbs country-style pork ribs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Your Path to Rib Heaven
This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginners. Let's dive into the easy steps:
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Prep the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better during the cooking process.
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Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): For an even deeper flavor, lightly sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a tablespoon of oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional, but highly recommended.
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the ribs, sautéed (or raw) onion and garlic, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the ribs are incredibly tender and easily pull apart. The longer they cook, the more tender they will become.
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. You can then return the shredded ribs to the slow cooker to keep them warm and moist in the delicious cooking liquid.
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Garnish & Enjoy: Serve your fall-off-the-bone ribs on their own, over mashed potatoes, with your favorite sides, or in a delicious sandwich.
Cooking Tips for Extra-Delicious Ribs
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the ribs to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in two batches.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or experiment with different herbs and spices.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the cooking liquid and simmer it on the stovetop until it reduces. A cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) can also help thicken the sauce.
Variations on a Classic Theme
- BBQ Ribs: Add ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking.
- Sweet and Spicy Ribs: Add a tablespoon of chili powder and a tablespoon of honey to the cooking liquid.
- Apple Cider Glazed Ribs: Use apple juice instead of chicken broth and add a drizzle of maple syrup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy recipe provides a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy your amazing slow cooker country-style ribs! They're sure to become a family favorite!