If you’re searching for a show-stopping dish that’s as effortless as it is irresistible, look no further than Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs. Each bite is packed with smoky, savory, and sweet flavors that practically melt in your mouth thanks to slow, gentle cooking. This beloved method makes it possible to enjoy melt-off-the-bone ribs without ever firing up the grill or babysitting an oven—simply set it and forget it! Anyone who’s ever doubted their ability to barbecue will come away with newfound confidence after making these flavor-packed ribs.

Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few simple pantry staples and a rack of pork spare ribs, this dinner comes together beautifully. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to maximize luscious texture and bold barbecue taste, all while keeping prep ultra-simple.

Pork Spare Ribs (3 pounds): Opt for meaty ribs with some marbling, which become incredibly tender after hours in the slow cooker.
Paprika (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich, earthy color and just a hint of smokiness to the spice rub.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the ribs with aromatic, savory flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the rub with a sweet, mellow depth—think BBQ joint vibes at home.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out flavor and tenderizing the meat as it cooks low and slow.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
Barbecue Sauce (1 cup): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce for that signature sticky-sweet finish.
Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Melts into the sauce for a caramelized glaze you can’t resist licking off your fingers.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Balances the sweetness and cuts through the richness for a truly craveable bite.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami depth and a pleasant tanginess to the BBQ sauce blend.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle this in for a gentle kick if you love a little heat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs

Step 1: Mix and Rub the Spices

Begin by blending the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This aromatic rub is the secret to building layers of flavor right from the start. Pat your ribs dry, then liberally sprinkle the spice mixture over every inch, using your hands to gently work it into all the nooks and crannies. Don’t worry about getting messy—this is where the magic (and flavor) begins!

Step 2: Arrange Ribs in the Slow Cooker

Set your slow cooker to low and nestle the ribs inside. If you’re working with a smaller model, stand the ribs upright along the edges, curling them to fit if necessary. This ensures every piece gets bathed in the dreamy barbecue sauce and yields fall-apart tender results.

Step 3: Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture

In a separate bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional red pepper flakes. This glossy mixture is the heart of that irresistible sticky-sweet finish and guarantees every bite delivers a hit of tang, smoke, and a gentle kiss of heat.

Step 4: Smother the Ribs

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ribs in your slow cooker, using a spatula if needed to make sure every rib is beautifully coated. Try to spoon some sauce between the ribs if they’re stacked, so no bite is left behind!

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Pop on the lid and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The marinade works its magic as you go about your day, transforming the pork spare ribs into something tender, juicy, and downright heavenly. By the end, the meat should be tender enough to slide right off the bone.

Step 6: Broil for Caramelized Edges (Optional but Recommended!)

If you crave those irresistible caramelized bits, transfer the cooked ribs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This quick finish adds a smoky, sticky crust that’ll rival any backyard BBQ joint—just watch closely, as sugar-rich sauces can brown in a flash.

Step 7: Serve with Extra Sauce

Once broiled, arrange the Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs on a platter and spoon over any extra sauce from the slow cooker. Every rib will glisten with BBQ goodness, ready for your favorite garnishes and side dishes.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished ribs with a shower of freshly chopped parsley, a handful of sliced green onions, or even a smattering of toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch. Extra sauce on the side is always a winning move—try warming up the leftover juices from the slow cooker to drizzle over the platter for glossy, finger-licking appeal.

Side Dishes

These Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs play perfectly with comfort food classics. Dish them up alongside creamy coleslaw, fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered corn on the cob, or classic cornbread. The richness of the ribs pairs especially well with tangy sides and anything that can mop up that extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the ribs and nestle them onto slider buns for hearty barbecue sandwiches, or chop the meat and scatter it over cheesy baked potatoes. You can even serve them buffet-style for parties, letting everyone pick their favorite saucy pieces right from the slow cooker.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs store beautifully. Place cooled ribs and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-after ribs a delicious surprise.

Freezing

To freeze your ribs, tightly wrap individual portions or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then pop into a resealable freezer bag. Lay them flat so they’re easy to thaw, and keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven, covered with foil to retain moisture, at 325°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave with some extra sauce on top to keep the meat juicy. Either way, that rich barbecue flavor shines right through!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of ribs for this recipe?

Absolutely! While pork spare ribs deliver unbeatable flavor and a generous portion of meat, baby back ribs also work well. Just adjust the cooking time—baby backs are a little leaner and may cook a bit faster.

Is it necessary to remove the silver membrane from the ribs?

Yes, removing the silver membrane (the thin, tough layer on the bone side) ensures the ribs turn out tender and lets the flavorful rub fully penetrate the meat. Use a paper towel to grip and peel it away before seasoning.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just double-check that your barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, and you’re all set for a delicious, worry-free meal.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can. Just be aware not to overfill your slow cooker. If you need to stack the ribs, add extra sauce between layers for even coverage, and plan for a slightly longer cook time if you’re making a bigger batch.

What’s the best way to get that smoky flavor indoors?

For added smokiness, try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to your barbecue sauce mixture. Or, just broil the finished ribs for an extra-toasty charred edge. Either method ups the backyard barbecue factor—even if you never set foot outside!

Final Thoughts

If you love crowd-pleasing comfort food with big flavor and zero fuss, you’ve got to treat yourself to these Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs. They’re endlessly versatile, impossibly tender, and sure to earn rave reviews at your next dinner. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe!

Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Juicy and tender slow cooker pork spare ribs dripping with barbecue sauce, a perfect hands-off meal that’s bursting with flavor. These fall-off-the-bone ribs are a must-try for any BBQ lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Pork Spare Ribs:

3 pounds pork spare ribs

Spice Rub:

1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Barbecue Sauce:

1 cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ribs: Mix the spice rub ingredients and coat the ribs. Place in the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: Combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the ribs.
Cook: Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until tender.
Broil: For a caramelized finish, broil the ribs for 3–5 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy with extra sauce.