Boneless Spare Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

Let’s face it: nothing beats the aroma of tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs wafting through your kitchen. But sometimes, the thought of slaving over a hot grill or oven can feel overwhelming. Enter the slow cooker boneless spare ribs-your shortcut to that same finger-licking goodness without breaking a sweat.

• Imagine the ease of throwing a few ingredients together in the morning and coming home to a rich, savory meal that practically cooks itself.
• Slow cooking allows the meat to absorb every bit of flavor from your sauce, spices, and aromatics, resulting in tender, juicy ribs that are bursting with flavor.
• Boneless spare ribs are perfect for those who want the meaty satisfaction without wrestling with bones or cutting around them.

By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll have everything you need to make ribs that will impress anyone at the dinner table, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.

Boneless Spare Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity meeting indulgence. You’ll get:

• Ribs that are incredibly tender and juicy
• A sauce that is rich, savory, and slightly sticky-perfect for dipping bread or drizzling over mashed potatoes
• A hands-off cooking process that frees you up for everything else in your day

And the best part? You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull this off. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, letting you focus on enjoying the smells and anticipating the flavors.

Ingredient List

For this recipe, we want a balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors that complement the richness of the pork:

• 2 pounds boneless pork spare ribs – thick, meaty, and perfect for slow cooking
• 1 cup barbecue sauce – pick your favorite variety: smoky, sweet, or spicy
• 1/4 cup soy sauce – adds umami and depth
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar – for a touch of sweetness and caramelization
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – balances the richness with tang
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for that subtle smoky flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – aromatic and savory
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for mild heat
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – enhances overall flavor
• Optional: a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a kick

Instruction Guide

Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your ribs turn out perfectly tender and flavorful:

1. Prep The Ribs

   • Rinse and pat dry your boneless spare ribs.
   • If needed, trim off any excess fat for a leaner dish.

2. Mix The Sauce

   • In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional chili flakes.
   • Stir well until smooth and well-blended.

3. Coat The Ribs

   • Place ribs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
   • Use a spoon or tongs to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.

4. Cook Low And Slow

   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
   • Ribs should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.

5. Optional Finish

   • For a slightly caramelized finish, transfer ribs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes.
   • Brush with extra sauce before serving.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   • Pair with coleslaw, baked beans, or mashed potatoes.
   • Don’t forget the extra sauce for dipping-it’s the best part!

Ingredient Swaps

Flexibility is key, especially if you don’t have every ingredient on hand. Here are some easy swaps:

• Barbecue sauce: hoisin, teriyaki, or tomato-based sauce
• Soy sauce: coconut aminos or tamari for gluten-free options
• Honey/Brown sugar: maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness
• Apple cider vinegar: rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• Smoked paprika: regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke
• Garlic/onion powder: fresh garlic and onion, minced

Helpful Tips

A few insider tricks to make your slow cooker ribs irresistible:

• Layering matters: Place ribs in a single layer for even cooking if possible. If stacking, rotate halfway through.
• Don’t skip the vinegar: It balances the richness and prevents the sauce from being too sweet.
• Check tenderness early: Slow cookers vary. Start checking 30 minutes before the expected finish.
• Thicken the sauce: Remove ribs and simmer the sauce on the stove for 5-10 minutes if it’s too thin.

Customization Ideas

Make this recipe your own with some creative tweaks:

• Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper, sriracha, or chipotle powder
• Asian-inspired: Swap BBQ sauce for hoisin and add ginger and sesame oil
• Tangy twist: Add pineapple juice or orange juice to the sauce for a fruity layer
• Smoky BBQ: Add liquid smoke or smoked paprika for deeper flavor

FAQs

What Are The Benefits Of Cooking Boneless Spare Ribs In A Slow Cooker?

Using a slow cooker allows the ribs to cook slowly at a low temperature, which makes the meat tender and juicy while allowing flavors from marinades or sauces to deeply penetrate. It also requires minimal hands-on time, making it convenient for busy schedules.

Do I Need To Brown The Ribs Before Placing Them In The Slow Cooker?

Browning the ribs before slow cooking is optional but recommended. Searing them in a hot skillet or under the broiler adds extra flavor through caramelization and improves the overall texture of the finished dish.

What Is The Best Cooking Time For Boneless Spare Ribs In A Slow Cooker?

For tender results, cook boneless spare ribs on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Exact timing can vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and the specific slow cooker used.

What Sauces Or Marinades Work Well With Slow Cooker Boneless Spare Ribs?

Popular options include barbecue sauce, hoisin-based Asian sauces, honey garlic, teriyaki, and smoky chipotle sauces. Combining a sweet, tangy, or savory sauce with slow cooking enhances the ribs’ flavor and helps keep them moist.

Can I Use Frozen Boneless Spare Ribs In The Slow Cooker?

It is not recommended to cook frozen ribs directly in a slow cooker because the low temperature may keep the meat in the bacterial growth ’danger zone’ for too long. It’s safer to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

Should I Add Liquid To The Slow Cooker When Making Boneless Spare Ribs?

Yes, adding a small amount of liquid such as broth, water, or a thin sauce helps prevent the ribs from drying out and ensures even cooking. Typically, 1/4 to 1/2 cup is sufficient for most slow cooker recipes.

How Do I Make The Ribs Tender Without Falling Apart Completely?

Cook on low heat for the recommended time and avoid lifting the lid too often, which releases heat. Using just enough liquid to maintain moisture and choosing a slightly firmer cut can help the ribs stay intact while still being tender.

Can I Thicken The Sauce After Slow Cooking?

Yes, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and simmer the remaining sauce on the stove to reduce it. You can also mix in a cornstarch or flour slurry to thicken it quickly before serving.

How Should I Store Leftover Boneless Spare Ribs?

Allow the ribs to cool slightly, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I Cook Boneless Spare Ribs With Vegetables In The Slow Cooker?

Yes, adding vegetables such as onions, carrots, and potatoes is common. Place denser vegetables on the bottom where heat is stronger and lighter vegetables on top. Keep in mind that vegetables may become very soft after long cooking, so timing may need adjustment.