Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, incredibly flavorful meal that requires minimal effort? Then look no further! This Crock Pot Pork Country Ribs recipe is your answer. Imagine tender, juicy pork ribs falling right off the bone, bathed in a rich and savory sauce – all cooked to perfection in the convenience of your slow cooker. This is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork country-style ribs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ribs: Pat the pork country-style ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sear (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the ribs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn’t essential but adds a nice depth of flavor.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned ribs on top of the onions and garlic.
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Sauce it Up: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker.
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Cook Low and Slow: 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.
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Shred and Serve: Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can either serve the shredded ribs directly in the sauce or return them to the slow cooker with some of the cooking liquid to keep them moist.
Cooking Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pork Country Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the ribs to cook evenly.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of the ribs. Check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
- Bone-in or boneless: This recipe works equally well with bone-in or boneless country-style ribs. Adjust cooking time accordingly – boneless ribs will cook faster.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Delicious Variations:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness, along with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a delightful sweet and spicy flavor.
- Citrus Burst: Incorporate the zest and juice of one orange or lime for a zesty twist.
- Herb Infusion: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme during cooking for an aromatic touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This crock pot pork country ribs recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a delicious dish that’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!