Cooking BBQ beef spare ribs in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender and flavorful results with minimal effort. Here's a simple recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 pounds of beef spare ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce of your choice
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced (optional, for added flavor)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the ribs: If your ribs come in a large slab, you may want to cut them into individual rib pieces for easier cooking and serving. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
Sear the ribs (optional): For added flavor, you can sear the ribs before placing them in the slow cooker. Heat a skillet or pan over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Brown the ribs on all sides, but this step is optional, and you can skip it if you prefer.
Layer the slow cooker: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to add flavor to the ribs. If you seared the ribs, arrange them on top of the onions and garlic.
Mix the BBQ sauce and water: In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with water or beef broth to create a slightly thinner consistency that will better coat the ribs during the slow cooking process.
Pour the sauce over the ribs: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly coated.
Cook the ribs: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the ribs on low heat for about 6 to 8 hours. Slow cooking will make the ribs tender and allow the flavors to meld together.
Baste the ribs (optional): About halfway through the cooking process, you can baste the ribs with the sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker to enhance the flavor.
Finish on the grill (optional): If you prefer a charred and smoky flavor, you can finish the ribs on the grill for a few minutes on each side. Brush them with more BBQ sauce as they grill to caramelize and develop a beautiful glaze.
Serve and enjoy: Once the ribs are done, remove them from the slow cooker and serve with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker's settings and the thickness of the ribs. Always ensure the internal temperature of the ribs reaches at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.