Paleo Slow Cooker Spare Ribs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do you need liquid in a slow cooker for ribs? ›

Don't worry that the ribs go into the slow cooker without liquid; the heat is gentle enough that the ribs do not burn, and the meat releases liquid as it cooks, so it braises in its own spiced juices.

Ribs that aren't tender are usually a result of undercooking. All slow cookers vary a bit, so keep an eye on things and test for doneness. When you can easily twist the bones around inside the meat, your ribs are done!

Generally, Pork ribs benefit from a lengthy cook time over low temperature. So don't just chuck them in the oven immediately and you don't have to necessarily use the grill from start to finish. It can be hard to control the temperature if you're not experienced enough which will result in burnt and tough meat.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

The ribs don't need to swim in liquid, but they should be moistened well — a cup or two of liquid is sufficient, depending on the size of your cooker and the number of ribs.

You may, if desired, spritz or mop your ribs while smoking with a liquid of your choice. Apple juice or cider, butter, Dr. Pepper, apple cider vinegar, beer… there are plenty of options.

Not adding enough liquid can lead to burning.

"It's important to add enough liquid to ensure the bottom of your dish doesn't burn." If your meal does burn, the chef said to avoid scraping the bottom of the pot while stirring and serving because it can give the entire dish a burnt flavor.

Move over oven… The best part about Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs is that they fit for any time…any season. Slow co*king ribs breaks down the connective tissue in the meat making them fall-apart, tender.

Select a lean rib and cut off the visible fat. We like our ribs lean, tender, and beautiful. Cook them low and slow. Two pounds or less will take 4 1/2 hours at 225 degrees F.

Can You Slow Cook Ribs Too Long? Yes, just like oven baked ribs, if you leave them in the crockpot for too long they can become dry and tough. This will likely not happen, but it is possible. So just use the timer on your crockpot if it has one or set your own.

Baby back ribs (bottom of photo) are cut from the top of the rib cage, near the backbone. Spare ribs (top of photo) are cut from the bottom of the rib cage and sometimes they include the brisket, which is a bony piece of meat that hangs from the bottom. The farther down the rib cage you go, the meatier the ribs become.

Is it better to cook ribs on high or low? ›

They are best done low and slow. To get started, heat your grill to 275 degrees, using a combination of charcoal and hickory wood. Knowing and maintaining the temperature of your grill is crucial during this process. You'll want to let your ribs grill at 275 for four to five hours.

And it's a simple rub at that: salt, pepper, brown sugar, a few spices, and one secret ingredient: ground espresso beans. They give a bitter roasted flavor that complements the malty sweetness of the sugar (“like milk and sugar are to coffee,” he likes to say).

To keep a pot roast from drying out, your slow cooker needs liquid to create a moist environment, and that can include meat or vegetable stock, wine or water. This doesn't mean the meat should be submerged; a cup or two of liquid will be enough, since the cooker is covered and liquids stay trapped inside.

You don't need much liquid to slow cook pork since it releases juices while cooking when using the low setting. I use just enough to flavor the pork along with the reserved juices of the pork and serve the extra BBQ sauce on the side. If you wish to add liquid, you can add 1 cup of chicken broth.

Add 1/3 cup of water to the bottom of the pan and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. I fold together two pieces of foil and make a little seam in the middle to cover the whole pan. Tuck the pan in the oven and bake the ribs for 2 hours.

If your BBQ doesn't have a water pan, it is suggested to place a pan of water or apple juice in with the ribs. Smoke for 3 hours at around 210-225 degrees. Regularly spray your ribs with apple juice to keep your ribs from drying out.