Our family’s obsession with ribs? Well, it all started with a slow cooker and a craving, honestly! Seriously, is there anything better than fall-off-the-bone tender meat, swimming in a sauce that makes you want to lick the plate clean? I think not!
And guess what? These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs are exactly that – easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for any ol’ weeknight or a special get-together.
I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time. The sweet honey, the savory garlic, and that tender, juicy pork…it’s pure magic! Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, so you can relax and enjoy the amazing smells that fill your kitchen while dinner magically prepares itself. So, are you ready to get your rib fix? Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs
Okay, friends, let me tell you why you’re *going* to fall head-over-heels for these ribs! Seriously, they’re a total game-changer. Here’s the lowdown:
- Ridiculously Easy Prep: Seriously, toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, and you’re practically done! It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Win-win, right?
- Flavor Explosion: The honey garlic sauce is just… wow. Sweet, savory, a tiny bit tangy – It coats those ribs perfectly!
- Tender, Juicy Ribs: Thanks to the slow cooker, these ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender. No tough, chewy ribs here!
- Slow Cooker Magic: Let’s be honest, the slow cooker is a lifesaver! It does all the work while you go about your day.
Trust me. You’ll be back for seconds… maybe thirds!
Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! For these magnificent Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of pork ribs, and I’m partial to the baby back ribs, but spareribs work wonderfully too.
- 1/2 cup of my favorite honey, the real stuff, of course!
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, the regular kind is fine.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, for that perfect tang.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is *always* best!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, because we need a little oil love, don’t we?
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger – adds a lovely little zing!
- Salt and pepper, to taste, because seasoning is key, people! Don’t be shy!
See? Simple, right? Get those ingredients ready – you’ll be halfway there!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs
Okay, friends, let’s get down to the fun part: making these amazing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs! Don’t worry, it’s super easy, I promise. Follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on some seriously delicious ribs in no time! Here’s how you get that fall-off-the-bone goodness.
Preparing the Ribs
First things first, let’s get those ribs ready! If you’ve got a rack of ribs with that silvery membrane on the back, go ahead and peel it off – it’s a bit of a pain, but it makes the ribs way more tender. Next, give those ribs a good rinse under cold water. Pat them dry with some paper towels – trust me, dry ribs are happy ribs! Sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Get a good amount on there, don’t be shy!
Making the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that incredible honey garlic sauce! In a medium bowl, grab that honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil, and grated ginger. Now, grab a whisk! Get in there and whisk everything together until it’s all nicely combined and a bit frothy. You want the honey to be totally mixed into sauce. Make sure that ginger is well distributed—it just brings everything to life!
Slow Cooking the Honey Garlic Pork Ribs
Time to get the slow cooker involved! Place those seasoned ribs in the slow cooker. You can kind of arrange them in there, either in a big stack or curved around, but it is not important you arrange them in a particular way. Now, pour that gorgeous honey garlic sauce all over the ribs, making sure they’re completely coated. Set that bad boy on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry (who isn’t?), you can cook on high for 3-4 hours. Just make sure those ribs are tender!
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once the ribs are all tender and delicious, you can have a little fun. For extra deliciousness, you can carefully transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes. Carefully watch them—you don’t want them to burn!—until they get a nice, caramelized glaze. Serve those delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs hot, either on their own, or with some sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob. Enjoy every single bite! You deserve it!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs Every Time
Okay, friends, let’s unlock the secrets to truly amazing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years, and trust me, they make a difference. Here’s my insider info:
- Rib Selection is Key: Choose ribs with a good amount of marbling – that means those little streaks of fat. Those are going to give you more flavor and moisture! I’m a big fan of baby backs, but spare ribs are fantastic too!
- Don’t Overcook: Seriously, keeping a careful watch on the cook time is vital. Every slow cooker is a little different, ya know? You want the ribs tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork, but not falling *completely* apart.
- Broiling for the Win: If you’ve got the time (and you should!), finishing the ribs under the broiler for a couple of minutes is a game-changer! It’ll caramelize that amazing honey garlic sauce and give them a beautiful, slightly charred finish. You’ll be a hero!
- Sauce It Up (Again!): For extra sauciness, save a little bit of that honey garlic sauce. Brush it on the ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking or after broiling. This makes them even more delicious.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to rib nirvana!
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs
Okay, you’ve got those amazing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs, and now you need some sidekicks to complete the feast! Don’t you worry, I’ve got you covered with some suggestions that’ll make your meal absolutely unforgettable. Think of these as the supporting cast to your rib-tastic star!
- Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, creamy crunch of coleslaw is the *perfect* contrast to the rich, savory ribs. The vinegar in the slaw also cuts through the richness of the ribs. Yum! You can make it as simple or fancy as you please!
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Seriously. Do I even need to explain this? Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason. And a little garlic just makes everything better, doesn’t it?
- Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus, roasted until it’s slightly tender-crisp and caramelized, is a wonderful, simple side. The slight bitterness is an excellent counterpoint to the sweet honey garlic glaze. And it’s so easy, really.
- Corn on the Cob: Buttered corn on the cob is a summer staple (or even cozy for a winter meal!). The sweetness complements those ribs incredibly well. Plus, who doesn’t love a little bit of mess when they eat ribs?!
Mix and match, go wild! The possibilities are endless, and you really can’t go wrong. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs
Okay, so you’re planning ahead, huh? That’s smart! You can totally get a head start on these amazing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs. You can whip up the honey garlic sauce and prep the ribs a day or two in advance. Store the sauce separately in the fridge. That way, all you have to do is toss it all in the slow cooker later. Super easy!
And leftovers? Oh, yeah! These ribs are even *better* the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months! To reheat, just pop them in the oven, slow cooker, or even the microwave–but watch those ribs so they don’t dry out. Just a little water in the slow cooker will keep those puppies extra tender!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs
I know, I know—sometimes you’ve got questions! And that’s totally okay— cooking should be fun. So, I figured, let’s anticipate some of the questions you might have about these delightful Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs. Here are a few common ones that might be popping into your head:
Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
Absolutely! I’ve made this recipe with both baby back and spare ribs, and they both turn out amazing. Spare ribs have a bit more fat, which means they’ll be extra tender and juicy. Baby backs are leaner and cook a bit faster, but either works! Adjust the cooking time a bit if you use baby backs because they’re smaller. Seriously, use whatever kind of ribs you like!
How do I know when the ribs are done?
Easy! You’re looking for fall-off-the-bone tender. The meat should be pulling away from the bone easily. You can also gently tug at a rib with a fork — if it comes away with little resistance, they’re ready! If you’re checking during the cooking process and they’re not quite ready, just give them some extra time, but keep an eye on everything! No one likes overcooked ribs!
Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can! Your pressure cooker is a great alternative if you’re in a real hurry. Just follow your pressure cooker’s instructions for cooking ribs. You’ll still want to make that delicious honey garlic sauce! Pressure cookers will cook the *honey garlic pork ribs* much faster, usually in about 30 to 45 minutes, with a natural pressure release. But seriously, follow your pressure cooker’s recipe for the best results!
Hopefully, this helps! If you’ve got other questions, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs
Okay, so let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, because exact amounts can change based on the ingredients you use and the brands, but here’s a rough idea per serving (that’s about one rib):
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
There you have it! Keep in mind this is based on averages and estimations. Different brands and cuts of pork ribs will change things slightly. Enjoy your ribs!
Get Cooking: Try These Delicious Recipes!
So, you’ve read all about it—now it’s time to get your hands messy and make some ribs!
I’d *love* to hear how they turn out, so please leave a comment and rate the recipe.
Happy cooking, rib lovers! And enjoy every single bite of those fall-off-the-bone Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Ribs
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Make tender and flavorful pork ribs in your slow cooker with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork ribs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the ribs with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil, and ginger.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are coated.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can broil the ribs for a few minutes after slow cooking for a caramelized finish.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker, pork ribs, honey garlic, ribs recipe, easy dinner