How To Cook Country Style Ribs In A Slow Cooker

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Introduction

When it comes to delicious and tender ribs, nothing beats the mouth-watering flavors of country style ribs cooked in a slow cooker. This cooking method allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy, while infusing it with rich flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a hearty meal, learning how to cook country style ribs in a slow cooker is a must.

The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it does most of the work for you. It’s a convenient and hassle-free way to achieve melt-in-your-mouth ribs without the need for constant attention. You can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to develop over hours of slow cooking. Plus, the slow cooker helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in ribs that practically fall off the bone.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking country style ribs in a slow cooker step by step. From selecting the right ingredients to adding mouthwatering flavors, you’ll soon be enjoying succulent and flavorful ribs that will impress your family and friends.

So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a culinary journey as we dive into the art of slow cooker country style ribs.

Ingredients

To create a delicious batch of country style ribs in a slow cooker, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of country style ribs
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup of barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth

These ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store. The olive oil will help to sear the ribs and create a caramelized crust, while the spices and seasonings will add depth of flavor to the meat. The combination of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth will create a tangy and sweet glaze that will perfectly complement the ribs.

Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.

Preparing the Country Style Ribs

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the country style ribs for slow cooking. Follow these steps to ensure your ribs are flavorful and tender:

1. Start by patting the ribs dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the seasonings to adhere better.
2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful dry rub.
3. Rub the dry rub mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. This will impart delicious flavors to the meat.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ribs and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds a caramelized flavor to the ribs.
5. Once the ribs are seared, transfer them to the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pot.

By following these steps, you are taking the necessary measures to maximize the flavor and tenderness of the country style ribs. The dry rub helps to season the meat while the searing process adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.

Now that the ribs are prepared, it’s time to embark on the slow cooking journey to create mouth-watering and succulent country style ribs on the next step.

For added flavor, sear the country style ribs in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. This will help to lock in the juices and create a delicious crust on the outside of the meat.

Slow Cooking Process

With the ribs prepared and ready to go, it’s time to dive into the slow cooking process. Follow these steps to achieve tender and flavorful country style ribs:

1. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker and set it to the desired temperature. For most recipes, low heat is recommended for slow cooking ribs. This allows the ribs to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender meat.
2. Let the ribs cook for approximately 6-8 hours on low heat. This extended cooking time allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tender and juicy ribs.
3. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and prolongs the cooking time.
4. After the cooking time is up, check the ribs for doneness. They should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork. If the meat is still tough, continue cooking for an additional hour or so.

The slow cooking process is what transforms the country style ribs into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. The low and slow method allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the meat becomes tender and juicy.

Now that the ribs have been cooked to perfection, it’s time to elevate their taste by adding a delicious sauce and additional flavors in the next step.

Adding Sauce and Flavors

Now that the country style ribs have been slow cooked to perfection, it’s time to elevate their flavor profile by adding a delicious sauce and additional flavors. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering glaze for your ribs:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and create a tangy and sweet glaze.
2. Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the cooked ribs in the slow cooker, making sure to fully coat the ribs with the glaze.
3. Turn the slow cooker to high heat and let the ribs cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

During this time, the sauce will thicken slightly and adhere to the ribs, creating a flavorful and sticky glaze. This step adds a layer of sweetness and tanginess to the already tender and juicy meat.

As an optional step, if you prefer a caramelized finish, you can transfer the glazed ribs to a preheated grill or broiler for a few minutes, until the sauce becomes sticky and bubbly. Be sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent burning.

Once the ribs have been glazed and any desired finishing touches have been added, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits!

Serving and Enjoying

After the country style ribs have been slow cooked to perfection and glazed with a mouthwatering sauce, it’s time to serve them up and savor the deliciousness. Here are some tips on serving and enjoying your delectable ribs:

1. Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to a serving platter. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid excessive liquid or sauce transfer.
2. Garnish the ribs with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
3. Serve the ribs alongside some tasty sides. Classic choices include coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or mashed potatoes. These sides complement the ribs and complete the meal.
4. Provide some extra sauce on the side for those who want to drizzle or dip their ribs further. This allows everyone to customize their level of sauciness.
5. Enjoy the ribs while they are still warm and tender. Take a moment to savor the flavors, the succulent meat, and the combination of spices and sauces.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, gathering with friends and family, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, slow cooker country style ribs are sure to be a hit. The tender and flavorful meat, combined with the tangy and sweet glaze, will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Now that you know the process of slow cooking, glazing, and serving country style ribs, it’s time to gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure. Get ready to impress your loved ones with your newfound skills in creating tender and delectable ribs.

So go ahead, indulge in the irresistible flavors of slow cooker country style ribs and enjoy every succulent bite!