Olivia Carter
BBQ short ribs cooked in a slow cooker will have you falling in love with the tender, fall-off-the-bone meat!
There’s something magical about the combination of succulent meat and smoky, tangy BBQ sauce. And the best part is, you can achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness right at home with the help of your trusty slow cooker.
So, if you’re craving delicious BBQ short ribs but don’t want to spend hours tending to a grill or smoker, then this recipe is for you!
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking BBQ short ribs in a slow cooker. You’ll learn the key ingredients, preparation tips, and cooking techniques to ensure your ribs turn out perfectly every time.
How To Cook BBQ Short Ribs in Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook BBQ short ribs, look no further than your slow cooker. This hands-off cooking method allows the meat to get incredibly tender, while the BBQ sauce infuses it with incredible flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook BBQ short ribs in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of beef short ribs
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of beef broth
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by seasoning the short ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to coat all sides of the ribs.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Place the seasoned short ribs in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over them.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the ribs on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours. The ribs should be tender and the meat should easily fall off the bone when done.
- Once the ribs are cooked, you can optionally transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them for a few minutes to get a caramelized and slightly crispy exterior.
- Serve the BBQ short ribs hot with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
These slow-cooked BBQ short ribs are perfect for a weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a backyard barbecue. The meat will be so tender and flavorful, it’ll be hard to resist!
Preparation and Ingredients
Before you begin cooking BBQ short ribs in a slow cooker, there are a few key steps to prepare both the ingredients and the equipment. Here is what you’ll need:
- 3 lbs of beef short ribs
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you can begin preparing the short ribs. Trim any excess fat from the ribs and season them with salt and black pepper. In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Next, place the short ribs in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them, making sure to coat them evenly. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
When you are ready to cook the BBQ short ribs, remove the slow cooker from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help ensure even cooking. Then, set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the ribs for 6-8 hours, or until they are tender and fully cooked.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker using tongs. Place them on a serving platter and brush them with additional BBQ sauce, if desired. Serve the BBQ short ribs hot and enjoy!
Cooking Process
When it comes to cooking BBQ short ribs in a slow cooker, the process is relatively simple and requires minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of beef short ribs
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the beef short ribs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them. Make sure to coat the ribs evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs.
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the cooked ribs from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Optional: If desired, you can brush the ribs with additional BBQ sauce and broil in the oven for a few minutes to give them a caramelized finish.
- Serve the BBQ short ribs hot and enjoy!
Using a slow cooker to cook BBQ short ribs is a convenient and reliable method. The low and slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and flavorful, resulting in a delicious meal. While the preparation time is minimal, the slow cooking time ensures that the flavors meld together and the meat becomes perfectly cooked. Be sure to check the ribs for doneness before serving, as they should be easily pulled apart with a fork. Serve the BBQ short ribs with your favorite side dishes like cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Serving and Enjoying
Once the BBQ short ribs in the slow cooker are done, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few tips to make the most of your meal:
1. Plating:
Start by carefully removing the cooked short ribs from the slow cooker and placing them on a serving platter. Make sure to handle them with tongs or a fork, as they will be very tender and might fall apart easily. Arrange them neatly to create an appealing presentation.
2. Sauce:
Drizzle some of the flavorful cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the ribs. This will not only add an extra boost of flavor but also keep them moist and tender. You can also serve the remaining sauce separately on the side, allowing your guests to add more as they wish.
3. Sides:
BBQ short ribs go well with a variety of side dishes. Some classic options include coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or potato salad. These sides complement the rich and smoky flavors of the ribs, creating a well-rounded meal.
Pro Tip: For a healthier option, consider serving the short ribs with a fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables.
![[15 Pound] USDA Choice Angus Beef Chuck Flanken Style Short Ribs, Bone-In – Ideal for Grilling & Kalbi BBQ – Shipped Frozen with Insulated Box & Ice Packs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AuDWwlNkL._SS520_.jpg)
4. Garnish:
Add a final touch to your dish by garnishing it with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. This will not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also add some brightness and freshness to the overall flavor.
Now that your BBQ short ribs are beautifully plated and ready to be enjoyed, gather your friends and family, take a seat, and savor the mouthwatering flavors of this slow-cooked delicacy. Remember to serve some napkins, as things might get a little messy!
Enjoy your BBQ short ribs!
Questions and answers
What is the cooking time for BBQ short ribs in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for BBQ short ribs in a slow cooker is approximately 6-8 hours on low heat. This slow cooking method helps to tenderize the meat and allows the flavors to blend together. If you prefer a shorter cooking time, you can cook the ribs on high heat for 3-4 hours, but the meat may not be as tender.
