Slow Cooker Ribs and Slaw Recipe by Pioneer Woman with Southern Flair

Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker ribs and slaw turns mundane dinners into a flavor-packed sensation.

Succulent meat cascades with rich, smoky notes that promise pure comfort on a plate.

Minimal kitchen effort meets maximum deliciousness in this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Tender ribs practically melt against your tongue, releasing deep, complex flavors that simmer slowly throughout the day.

The accompanying tangy slaw provides a bright, crisp counterpoint that elevates every single bite.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of savory and zesty elements that will make family dinners feel like a gourmet experience.

Impress everyone at the table with this foolproof culinary masterpiece that requires almost no active cooking time.

Steps to Cook the Best Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ribs And Slaw

• Kickstart the Flavor Foundation

Scatter minced garlic and ginger across the bottom of a spacious slow cooker. Nestle rib sections gently on top of these aromatic treasures, positioning them bone-side down for maximum taste absorption.

• Create Tender Rib Magic

Let the slow cooker work its transformative power, gently simmering the ribs on low heat for eight luxurious hours until the meat becomes meltingly tender and effortlessly separates from the bone.

• Craft Irresistible Glazing Sauce

Pour cooking juices into a skillet and introduce a symphony of sweet and tangy ingredients. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to dance and intensify.

• Transform Sauce into Liquid Gold

Whisk cornstarch with cold water until silky smooth, then introduce this magical thickener into the boiling sauce. Watch as the liquid transforms into a glossy, luxurious coating that clings perfectly to the ribs.

• Dress and Finish the Ribs

Toss the ribs in the skillet, ensuring every inch gets a generous embrace of the glossy sauce. Set aside a portion of the sauce for the upcoming slaw adventure.

• Whip Up Creamy Slaw Delight

Blend mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, and reserved sauce in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy dream that promises to elevate the crisp vegetables.

• Assemble Vibrant Slaw

Combine coleslaw mix, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro with the creamy dressing. Toss until each ingredient is lovingly coated, then season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

• Serve Up Culinary Happiness

Slice the ribs into individual portions and plate alongside the crisp, tangy slaw. Prepare to experience a meal that celebrates comfort and flavor in every single bite.

Ideas to Change Things Up Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ribs And Slaw

• Upgrade Your Rib Game: Insider Cooking Techniques and Flavor Twists
• Customize Meat Selection: Choose baby back ribs for tenderness or spare ribs for meatier texture. Country-style ribs work wonderfully for a different protein experience.
• Spice Up the Marinade: Experiment with sriracha, gochujang, or chipotle sauce to add unexpected heat. Korean-inspired flavors can transform your standard rib recipe into a culinary adventure.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare ribs and slaw a day ahead for deeper flavor infusion. Store slaw dressing separately to maintain crisp vegetable texture until serving time.
• Control Sauce Consistency: If sauce becomes too thick, thin with additional rice vinegar or broth. For extra glossy finish, brush ribs with reserved sauce just before serving for maximum shine and flavor complexity.

Great Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ribs And Slaw

• Pair with Pillowy Sides: Serve these succulent ribs alongside fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze and balance the rich meat.
• Create Colorful Presentation: Arrange ribs and slaw on a large wooden cutting board, garnishing with fresh cilantro sprigs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Instagram-worthy meal that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Add Cooling Companions: Complement the sweet and tangy ribs with a chilled cucumber salad or refreshing Asian-inspired slaw to provide a crisp contrast and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Beverage Pairings: Match the ribs' bold flavors with an ice-cold Asian beer like Sapporo, a crisp Riesling, or a bright, citrusy cocktail that cuts through the meat's richness and cleanses your taste buds.

How to Store and Reuse Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ribs And Slaw

• Refrigerate with Care: Store leftover ribs and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping them tasty for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm ribs gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, to prevent drying out. Splash a bit of reserved sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze individual portions of ribs and slaw in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare ribs and slaw in advance for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Components can be cooked separately and combined when ready to serve, saving time and reducing stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Gather What Goes in Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ribs And Slaw

• Garlic: Choose firm, plump cloves with no green sprouts for the most robust flavor.
• Ginger: Select smooth, heavy root with tight skin and no soft spots for maximum zestiness.
• Pork Ribs: Look for well-marbled, meaty cuts with consistent thickness for even cooking.

• Honey: Pick raw, unfiltered honey for deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels in your dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Choose clear, mild variants for a subtle tangy touch.
• Cornstarch: Select finely ground, pure cornstarch for smooth sauce thickening.

• Coleslaw Mix: Grab fresh, crisp pre-shredded mix for quick preparation.
• Red Onion: Select firm, vibrant purple onions with smooth, shiny skin.
• Cilantro: Choose bright green leaves with no wilting for maximum freshness.
• Mayonnaise: Pick full-fat, creamy version for rich, luxurious dressing.
• Kosher Salt: Use coarse, flaky salt for better seasoning control.
• Black Pepper: Select whole peppercorns and grind fresh for intense aroma.

What You’ll Use When Making Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ribs And Slaw

• Slow Cooker (6-quart): Your trusty kitchen companion for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
• Skillet: Perfect for creating a glossy, irresistible glaze.
• Cutting Board: Ideal for prepping garlic, ginger, and slicing red onion.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping and cutting.
• Small Bowl: Great for mixing cornstarch slurry and whisking sauces.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing and coating slaw ingredients.
• Whisk: Key to creating smooth, creamy dressings and sauces.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure perfect ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps with stirring and coating ribs in glaze.

Succulent Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ribs And Slaw Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Slow cooker ribs and slaw from the Pioneer Woman elevate home cooking with tender, fall-apart meat and tangy cabbage. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, promising a delicious meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 racks baby back ribs (about 5 lb / 2.27 kg)
• 1 cup (240 ml) rice vinegar
• ½ cup (120 ml) honey
• ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 head garlic, cloves peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 piece fresh ginger (3 in / 7.6 cm), peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 lb (454 g) shredded coleslaw mix
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tsps honey
• kosher salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Slow Cooker Preparation: Spread minced garlic and grated ginger across the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker to establish a flavorful foundation for the pork ribs.
2. Rib Placement: Divide pork ribs into halves and nestle them bone-side down over the aromatic base, maximizing flavor infusion during cooking.
3. Slow Cooking Process: Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow ribs to tenderize for 8 hours, developing rich, deep flavors throughout the meat.
4. Sauce Creation: Transfer cooking liquids to a skillet, combining honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then whisk in a cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, thickened glaze.
5. Rib Glazing: Remove ribs from slow cooker and generously coat with the prepared sauce in the skillet, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Slaw Preparation: Whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, and reserved sauce in a large mixing bowl. Fold in coleslaw mix, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
7. Final Seasoning and Plating: Season slaw with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Plate glazed ribs alongside the creamy, vibrant slaw for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Prep Aromatics Strategically: Layer minced garlic and grated ginger at the slow cooker’s bottom to infuse deep, complex flavors into the pork ribs.
• Master Slow Cooking Technique: Cook ribs bone-side down on low heat for 8 hours to guarantee maximum tenderness and flavor development.
• Create Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully to ensure a smooth, glossy sauce without lumps, thickening it precisely for a professional finish.
• Balance Slaw Dressing Delicately: Reserve sauce portion for slaw to maintain a harmonious flavor profile, ensuring each component complements the glazed ribs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg