Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs - RECIPE
This slow cooker BBQ ribs recipe transforms a classic smoker dish into an everyday meal that requires minimal effort. Simply season your pork ribs with a flavourful dry rub of brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, then slow cook them with Coca-Cola for an incredibly tender result. No smoker or hours of tending required—just pop them in the slow cooker before work and finish them with a quick grill when you get home for restaurant-quality BBQ ribs
Watch: Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs - RECIPE
Original recipe video — click to play
Original method: 45 minutes finishing on grill
Ingredients
Main
- 1 â…ś kg Pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
Use baby back or spare ribs; cut into 2-3 sections if needed to fit slow cooker
- 2 L Coca-Cola
Full-fat Coca-Cola works best; do not reduce quantity in slow cooker
Dry Rub
- 400 g Brown sugar
Packed brown sugar
- 15 g Garlic powder
- 15 g Paprika
Sweet or smoked paprika both work well
- 2 g Cayenne pepper(optional)
Adjust to taste if you prefer less heat
- 15 g Onion powder
- 7 g Black pepper, freshly ground
- 18 g Salt
Adjust to taste
Method
- 1
Mix all dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl: brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
~5 minsTip: Feel free to use your own favourite dry rub instead if you prefer
- 2
Pat the pork ribs dry with kitchen paper. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it hasn't already been removed.
~5 minsTip: Drying the ribs helps the dry rub adhere better
- 3
Generously coat all sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing gently so it adheres well.
~5 minsTip: Don't be shy with the rub—this is where the flavour comes from
- 4
Pour the Coca-Cola into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the rubbed ribs on top, standing them up or laying them flat—whichever fits best in your slow cooker.
~3 minsTip: If your ribs are very large, you may need to cut them into 2-3 sections
- 5
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 8 hours, or on High for 5 hours, until the meat is very tender and pulls away easily from the bone.
~8 hrsTip: Cooking time may vary depending on rib thickness and your slow cooker model. Start checking after 7 hours on Low
- 6
Carefully remove the cooked ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a lined baking tray. Pat them dry with kitchen paper.
~5 minsTip: Reserve some of the cooking liquid if desired for basting
- 7Optional step
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the ribs for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with reserved cooking liquid if desired, until the exterior is caramelised and slightly charred.
~10 minsTip: This finishing step adds incredible flavour and texture; however, you can skip it if you prefer a softer finish
- 8
Transfer the grilled ribs to a serving platter, rest for 2 minutes, and serve hot.
~2 minsTip: Serve with your favourite BBQ sauce on the side if desired
Nutrition
Detailed nutritional information is coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can experiment with other cola drinks or even root beer, though the flavour profile will differ slightly. The key is using a sweet, carbonated liquid that tenderises the meat and adds flavour. Regular or diet versions both work, though regular will give a deeper sweetness
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