Barbecued Spare Ribs(Crock-Pot)
Tender, flavorful barbecued spare ribs with a tangy and smoky glaze, perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings. The slow-cooked meat is fall-off-the-bone delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place spareribs on a rack in a baking pan and bake in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Turn the ribs and brown the other side for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ribs and transfer them to a slow cooker.
- Combine ketchup, brown sugar, steak sauce, vinegar, salt, hickory smoke salt, and minced onion in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose meaty spare ribs with good marbling. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey to the sauce mixture. You can substitute the bottled steak sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a different taste. If you're short on time, skip the baking step and cook the ribs directly in the slow cooker, but be aware that browning enhances the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tender ribs with coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a classic barbecue experience. They also pair beautifully with potato salad or a fresh garden salad. For an impressive meal, consider offering a variety of sauces on the side, allowing guests to customize their flavors. This dish is great for summer cookouts or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecued spare ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may lose some texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Spare Ribs(Crock-Pot) contains roughly 143 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 536mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
Yes, you can use baby back ribs as a substitute. They will cook faster than spare ribs, so adjust the cooking time in the slow cooker to around 4 to 6 hours on low. Baby back ribs are leaner and may not have as robust a flavor, but they will still be delicious with the barbecue sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs and sauce a day in advance. Just follow the initial baking instructions, then let the ribs cool before storing them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, place them in the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
What can I serve with the barbecued spare ribs?
These ribs are versatile and pair well with classic sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, or cornbread. For a lighter option, consider serving with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad. If you're hosting a barbecue, you might also want to offer sides like potato wedges or baked beans for a complete meal experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).