Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of tender, juicy, and flavor-packed ribs, then cooking them in a slow cooker is the way to go. Country style ribs, in particular, are perfect for slow cooking as the long, slow process helps to break down their tough fibers and infuse them with delicious flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a hearty meal, this article will guide you through the steps of cooking mouthwatering country style ribs in a slow cooker.
Gather your ingredients: Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. This includes country style ribs, a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, as well as your choice of BBQ sauce. You may also want to have some diced onions and minced garlic on hand for added flavor.
Prepare the ribs: Start by patting the ribs dry with a paper towel, then season them generously with the spices of your choice. Rub the seasonings into the meat, making sure to cover all sides. For an extra depth of flavor, you can let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or even overnight.
Cooking in the slow cooker: Once the ribs are seasoned to perfection, place them in the slow cooker. Add the diced onions and minced garlic for flavor enhancement, if desired. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the ribs, ensuring that they are fully coated. If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add more sauce or even mix different types of BBQ sauces for a unique flavor profile. Cook the ribs on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
These slow-cooked country style ribs will be so tender that they practically melt in your mouth. The combination of the flavorful seasonings and BBQ sauce will take your taste buds on a delicious journey. Serve the ribs hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or coleslaw, and enjoy a truly satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With this easy slow cooker recipe, you’ll have restaurant-quality ribs right in the comfort of your own home.
Prepare and Season the Ribs
Before you start cooking the country style ribs in a slow cooker, you’ll need to prepare and season them to enhance their flavor. Here’s how:
- Remove the ribs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Trim off any excess fat from the ribs.
- Season the ribs with your choice of dry rub or marinade. Some popular options include barbecue rub, Cajun seasoning, or a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Massage the seasoning into the meat, making sure to coat all sides of the ribs.
- Cover the seasoned ribs and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
By preparing and seasoning the country style ribs before cooking, you’ll ensure that they are packed with delicious flavor when they come out of the slow cooker.
Gather Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools on hand.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of country style ribs
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools:
- A slow cooker
- Tongs or a fork for handling the ribs
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A mixing bowl
- A whisk or spoon for mixing the sauce ingredients
- A knife for any necessary trimming
Having all these ingredients and tools ready will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Once you have everything gathered, you can proceed to the next steps of preparing and cooking the country style ribs in a slow cooker.
Cut and Season the Ribs
Before cooking your country style ribs in a slow cooker, you need to cut and season them properly. Start by selecting high-quality country style ribs from your local butcher or grocery store.
Using a sharp knife, carefully trim any excess fat from the ribs. This will help to reduce the greasiness of the final dish and improve the overall flavor.
Next, season the ribs generously with your favorite spices and herbs. A popular combination includes garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. However, you can personalize the seasoning blend based on your taste preferences.
For a bolder flavor, you can also marinate the ribs in your favorite BBQ sauce or a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. This additional step will infuse the meat with extra flavor and tenderness.
Once the ribs are seasoned to your liking, cover them and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhance the final result.
When you’re ready to begin cooking, remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. This will help to ensure even cooking throughout and prevent the meat from becoming tough.
Now you’re ready to move on to the next step of preparing your delicious country style ribs in a slow cooker!
Cook the Ribs in the Slow Cooker
To cook country style ribs in a slow cooker, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. Here’s how:
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Before cooking the ribs, make sure to trim off any excess fat. This will help ensure that the meat is tender and not greasy. Additionally, season the ribs with your choice of dry rub or marinade. You can use a pre-made seasoning mix or create your own blend of herbs and spices.
Step 2: Brown the Ribs
To enhance the flavor of the ribs, consider browning them prior to slow cooking. This can be done by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and searing the ribs on all sides until they’re browned. This will give the meat a nice caramelized crust and add depth to the final dish.
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Once the ribs are browned, transfer them to the slow cooker. If desired, you can add in additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, or vegetables to enhance the flavor. Pour your choice of liquid, such as broth, barbecue sauce, or a mixture of both, over the ribs. This will help keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat
Set your slow cooker to the low heat setting and let the ribs cook for 6 to 8 hours. This slow and gentle cooking process will ensure that the meat becomes tender and juicy. Avoid removing the lid during the cooking process, as this can cause heat loss and increase the cooking time.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. They should be tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork. Serve the ribs hot and enjoy them with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of barbecue sauce for an extra pop of flavor.
With the slow cooker method, you can achieve tender and flavorful country style ribs without much effort. This cooking technique allows the ribs to slowly cook and develop a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with delicious slow-cooked country style ribs!
Sear the Ribs
Before slow cooking your country style ribs, it’s important to sear them to lock in all the delicious flavors. This step will help to create a crispy crust that adds an extra layer of texture to the ribs.
To sear the ribs, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the ribs in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the ribs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned.
While searing the ribs, you can add some additional flavor by seasoning them with salt, black pepper, and your favorite spices or herbs. This will enhance the taste of the ribs and make them even more delicious.
Why sear the ribs?
Searing the ribs before slow cooking them not only enhances the flavor, but it also helps to develop a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the ribs. This crust adds a rich, smoky flavor and a pleasant texture that makes the ribs more enjoyable to eat. Additionally, searing the ribs helps to seal in the juices, keeping the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Tips for searing the ribs
Here are a few tips to ensure successful searing:
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan for even heat distribution.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the ribs to achieve a nice sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent proper browning.
- Season the ribs with salt, black pepper, and any desired spices for added flavor.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly seared country style ribs that are packed with flavor and have a mouthwatering caramelized crust.
Place Ribs in the Slow Cooker
To start cooking your country style ribs in a slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare the ribs and get them ready for the slow cooking process. Here are the steps to follow:
- First, take the country style ribs and trim off any excess fat. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Next, season the ribs with your desired spices and flavorings. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can also add a dry rub or a marinade for extra flavor.
- Once seasoned, place the ribs in the slow cooker. It’s best to lay them in a single layer and make sure they are not overcrowded. If needed, you can cut the ribs into smaller pieces to fit better.
- If you like, you can add some chopped onions, garlic, or other vegetables around the ribs to enhance the flavor.
- Finally, pour in any liquid of your choice. This could be barbeque sauce, broth, or even a mixture of water and vinegar. The liquid will help keep the ribs moist during the cooking process.
Once the ribs are placed in the slow cooker, you can set the cooking temperature and time according to your specific slow cooker model. Generally, cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours is recommended for country style ribs. Remember to keep the lid on and avoid opening the slow cooker too frequently to ensure the best results.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to cooking tender and flavorful country style ribs in a slow cooker. Enjoy!
Questions and answers
What are country style ribs?
Country style ribs are a type of pork ribs that come from the shoulder area of the pig. They are meatier and have more fat marbling compared to other types of ribs.
Can I cook country style ribs in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely cook country style ribs in a slow cooker. Slow cooking them in a crockpot helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
