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Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

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Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 7–8 hours (Low) or 4 hours (High) | Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • The Meat: 1 rack (approx. 3 lbs) baby back ribs or St. Louis style ribs.
  • The Dry Rub:
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar.
    • 1 tbsp smoked paprika.
    • 1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
    • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat).
  • The Sauce: 1.5 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce.
  • The Liquid: 1/2 cup apple juice or beef broth (to keep them moist while slow cooking).

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ribs: Remove the thin silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs if it hasn’t been removed. Cut the rack into 3 or 4 smaller sections so they fit easily into your slow cooker.
  2. Apply Rub: Combine the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the rib sections.
  3. Slow Cook: Pour the apple juice or broth into the bottom of the crockpot. Stand the ribs upright against the walls of the slow cooker (meat side facing out).
  4. Set Time: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4 hours until the meat is incredibly tender.
  5. Glaze: Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with barbecue sauce.
  6. Caramelize: For that authentic BBQ finish, place the ribs under the oven broiler for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred.
  7. Serve: Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones.

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