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Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs Recipe with Easy Homemade Brown Sugar Rub

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This recipe delivers tender, flavorful slow cooker ribs with a sweet-spiced homemade brown sugar rub. Perfect for easy weeknight meals or casual gatherings, these ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 full rack (2 to 3 pounds) baby back or St. Louis-style pork ribs
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce (for serving or glazing)

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by peeling off the silver skin using a paper towel to grip and gently pull it off (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well until evenly blended.
  3. Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the homemade rub, pressing it in gently to cover every inch (about 10 minutes).
  4. Pour apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the slow cooker to keep ribs moist and add a subtle tang.
  5. Coil the rack of ribs inside the slow cooker with the meat side facing up. If it doesn’t fit flat, curl the ribs slightly. Avoid stacking ribs; cook in a single layer if possible.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the meat easily pulls away from the bone and feels tender.
  7. Optional: Brush ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before cutting between bones. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tender ribs. Use the rub generously for a caramelized crust. Finish under the broiler for a sticky glaze. Adjust cooking time based on slow cooker variations. Prep rub ahead to deepen flavors. Use Diamond Crystal kosher salt for best results. Substitute apple cider vinegar with pineapple juice for a tropical twist. For gluten-free, verify all spices and BBQ sauce ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ribs, BBQ ribs, brown sugar rub, easy ribs recipe, tender ribs, homemade BBQ rub, slow cooker BBQ, pork ribs

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/tender-slow-cooker-bbq-ribs-recipe-with-easy-homemade-brown-sugar-rub/