Are you craving tender, juicy ribs that practically melt in your mouth? Then look no further! This St. Louis ribs crock pot recipe is your ticket to unbelievably delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering – everyone will be raving about your homemade cooking skills. Get ready to experience the best ribs you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds St. Louis style pork ribs
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (we recommend a smoky or tangy variety)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and develop a nice bark.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This homemade sauce is incredibly flavorful and elevates the ribs to a whole new level.
Step 3: Crock Pot Magic
Place the ribs in the crock pot. Pour the sauce evenly over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 4: Low and Slow Cooking
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the ribs are incredibly tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone. The longer they cook, the more tender they become.
Step 5: The Finishing Touch
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the crock pot. You can either shred them with two forks or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Brush them generously with your favorite BBQ sauce and return them to the crock pot for another 30 minutes on low to allow the sauce to caramelize and create a beautiful sticky glaze.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious St. Louis ribs hot, alongside your favorite sides. Coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans are all excellent choices.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the crock pot: Ensure there's enough space for the ribs to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: For foolproof results, check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer. They're done when the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot and the thickness of the ribs.
- Bone-in or boneless: This recipe works well with both bone-in and boneless ribs. Adjust cooking time accordingly – boneless ribs will cook faster.
Variations:
- Spicy Ribs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweet and Savory Ribs: Increase the brown sugar for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Different BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 400-500 (depending on the type of BBQ sauce and serving size)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This St. Louis ribs crock pot recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a simple, quick dinner idea that delivers incredible flavor and tender, juicy ribs every time. Enjoy this healthy meal and share this easy recipe with your friends and family! It's one of the best recipes for a reason!