I knew I had to make these slow cooker honey garlic ribs when I first saw it on Facebook. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to find some really nice looking baby back ribs at the grocery store over the weekend. So, I decided to buy the ribs and cook this dish. I was so glad that I did because these ribs were finger-licking good! The ribs were first seasoned with a dry rub mixture and then cooked in the slow cooker for 6 hours. Then, the ribs were brushed with a honey garlic sauce and broiled for an additional 4 minutes on each side. The result was sweet, delicious and fall-off-the-bone ribs which the entire family raved about. Serve it with steamed rice and salad and you have a complete meal. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Ribs

For the best slow cooker honey garlic ribs, start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the seasonings penetrate better and ensures the ribs are more tender. When applying the dry rub, be generous. It enhances the flavor significantly. If you have time, let the seasoned ribs sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This extra step allows the spices to infuse more deeply. While cooking, it’s important to ensure that the ribs are not overcrowded in the slow cooker. If necessary, cut the ribs into smaller sections to fit comfortably. Also, feel free to adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker’s performance. Some models run hotter or cooler than others. Just check for tenderness; the meat should pull away from the bone easily. Lastly, don’t skip the broiling step. It caramelizes the honey garlic sauce beautifully, giving the ribs that irresistible sticky glaze.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These honey garlic ribs are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal. Steamed rice is a classic choice, as it soaks up the sauce and balances the sweetness of the ribs. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. Consider adding some grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful plate. If you want a bit of crunch, coleslaw is another great option. The creamy texture complements the ribs nicely. For drinks, a chilled glass of sweet iced tea or a light lager can work wonders. If you are hosting a gathering, think about serving these ribs as part of a barbecue spread alongside other favorites like corn on the cob or baked beans. With these sides, you can create a memorable meal that everyone will enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of ribs?

Yes, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary a bit, so check for tenderness as they cook.

What can I serve with these ribs?

These ribs pair great with steamed rice and a fresh salad. You could also serve them with coleslaw or roasted veggies for a nice balance.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the ribs and sauce separately for up to three months.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?

You can season the ribs and let them sit in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Just cook them in the slow cooker on the day you plan to serve them for the best flavor.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?

One common mistake is overcrowding the slow cooker, which can lead to uneven cooking. Also, make sure to remove the membrane from the ribs for better tenderness.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ribs

Liza Agbanlog

Succulent baby back ribs are slow-cooked to tender perfection, coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Easy to make and absolutely finger-licking good!

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Course Main Course

Ingredients

5 lbs pork baby back ribs

Spice rub:

3 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon mustard powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Sauce:

1 ½ cups honey
¾ cup soy sauce
¾ cup ketchup
10 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Cut each rack of ribs in half. In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, ginger, salt, allspice and cayenne pepper. Rub spice mixture on both sides of each rack of ribs.
Place ribs on a large slow cooker, with wide ends down and meaty sides facing the wall. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the ribs are fall off the bone tender.
Meanwhile, combine together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Preheat the broiler on high. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Carefully transfer ribs to the prepared baking sheet, meaty-side down. Brush sauce over the ribs and broil for 4 minutes. Carefully turn the ribs over, generously brush them with more sauce and continue to broil for another 4 minutes, or until the ribs are browned.
Remove ribs from the heat and tent with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle top with sesame seeds and serve with leftover sauce on the side.

Notes

Recipe source: A Family of Feast

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!