Delightful Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Sticky Ribs Recipe

Slow cooker sticky ribs elevate weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent with their effortless charm.

These succulent meat marvels promise a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary suppers into extraordinary feasts.

Every tender morsel drips with a complex symphony of sweet and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

The magic happens while you go about your day, as the slow cooker works its alchemical wizardry on premium cuts of meat.

Minimal kitchen time yields maximum deliciousness, turning even novice cooks into culinary heroes.

Complex marinades seep deep into the protein, ensuring each bite delivers a knockout punch of taste.

Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting – dinner is about to become the star of your evening.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 642 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Lineup for Slow Cooker Sticky Ribs

• Pork Ribs: Choose fresh, well-marbled cuts with a good balance of meat and fat for maximum flavor and tenderness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Select high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the meat's natural taste.

• Apricot Preserves, Ketchup: Pick premium fruit preserves and rich, tangy ketchup for a complex sweet and savory base.
• Mustard: Opt for a robust Dijon or whole grain mustard to add depth and slight heat.
• Soy Sauce: Choose naturally brewed soy sauce for authentic umami flavor.
• Garlic: Select firm, plump cloves with no green sprouts for the most potent taste.
• Chipotle Peppers: Use canned peppers in adobo sauce for smoky, intense heat.
• Fresh Ginger: Pick firm, smooth ginger root with smooth skin and no moldy spots.
• Hot Sauce: Select a sauce with balanced heat that complements the other flavors.

• Cornstarch, Water: Use pure cornstarch and cool water to create a smooth, lump-free thickening slurry.

• Aluminum Foil: Choose heavy-duty foil for easy cleanup and even heat distribution.

Must-Have Tools for Cooking Sticky Ribs

• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise rib cutting and trimming excess fat.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safe and clean meat preparation.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for whisking sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending sauce components evenly.
• Slow Cooker: Magical device for tenderizing ribs to fall-apart perfection.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for consistent flavor.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with foil for easy cleanup and perfect rib finishing.
• Saucepan: Used for reducing and thickening sauce to glossy consistency.
• Pastry Brush: Ideal for glazing ribs with delicious sauce layers.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for transferring and handling hot ribs.
• Aluminum Foil: Provides convenient baking sheet lining for effortless cleanup.

How to Cook Sticky Ribs in the Slow Cooker

• Kick Off the Flavor Fusion

Chop pork ribs into manageable sections using a sharp blade. Massage generously with salt and pepper, coating every nook and cranny. Transfer seasoned ribs into your trusty slow cooker.

• Craft a Mouthwatering Sauce Symphony

Blend apricot preserves, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped chipotle peppers, grated ginger, and a splash of hot sauce in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture transforms into a glossy, flavor-packed elixir.

• Slow Dance of Tenderness

Drench ribs completely with the sauce mixture. Let the slow cooker work its magic – 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high until the meat practically melts off the bone.

• Transform and Caramelize

Heat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Rescue ribs from the slow cooker and arrange them on the sheet. Skim away excess fat from the cooking liquid and pour into a saucepan.

• Final Flavor Flourish

Create a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Brush ribs with the glossy sauce, then bake for 45 minutes. Reapply sauce every 10 to 15 minutes to develop a sticky, irresistible exterior. Serve with extra sauce for dipping and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Tips and Glaze Options for Sticky Ribs

Explore exciting flavor twists and cooking techniques to elevate your slow-cooked ribs experience.

Adjust heat intensity by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers and hot sauce. For mild lovers, start with one pepper; heat seekers can boost flavor with extra peppers or a splash of spicy sriracha.

Experiment with alternative preserve options like peach, mango, or pineapple preserves to create unique sweet-tangy profiles. Each fruit brings distinctive nuances that transform the classic rib recipe.

Enhance sauce complexity by adding 1/4 cup red wine or bourbon during sauce preparation. Alcohol deepens flavor complexity and tenderizes meat, creating an extra layer of richness.

Fully cooked ribs can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen up to 3 months. Reheat gently in oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying, ensuring tender, succulent meat every time.

How to Plate and Enjoy Sticky Ribs

• Serve Alongside Tangy Coleslaw: Whip up a crisp, refreshing coleslaw to balance the rich, spicy ribs. Chop cabbage, carrots, and mix with a zesty mayo-based dressing for a cool contrast.
• Pair with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious rib sauce. Blend in roasted garlic or chives for an extra flavor punch.
• Stack on Warm Cornbread: Bake golden, slightly sweet cornbread as the perfect side to catch every drop of the sticky sauce. Crumble the bread or serve whole for a hearty southern-style accompaniment.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the ribs for a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the rich, spicy flavors.

Sticky Ribs: Keeping Leftovers Tender

• Maximize Meal Prep: Divide cooked ribs into portion-sized containers for easy weekday lunches and dinners. These flavor-packed ribs stay delicious when stored properly.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover ribs in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated ribs within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap individual rib portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen ribs maintain quality for up to 3 months, providing quick meal solutions when needed.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated ribs in oven at 325°F, covered with foil, to prevent drying. Add a splash of reserved sauce to maintain moisture and restore that fresh-from-the-cooker tenderness.

Tantalizing Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Sticky Ribs Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Marvelous slow cooker sticky ribs bring Southern comfort straight to dinner tables. Tender pork ribs glazed with sweet and tangy sauce promise delightful meals you will savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 racks pork ribs
• 1 tbsp (15g) kosher salt
• 1 tsp (2g) black pepper, freshly ground
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1-inch (2.5 cm) fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp (15ml) hot sauce
• 1 13-oz jar apricot preserves
• 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60ml) yellow mustard
• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 chipotle peppers, canned in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 3 tbsps (45ml) cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Segment pork ribs into 2-rib portions and season thoroughly with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring uniform coating and size for consistent cooking.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk apricot preserves, tomato ketchup, Dijon mustard, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, chipotle peppers, grated ginger, and hot sauce into a harmonious, smooth mixture.
3. Slow Cooking: Submerge seasoned ribs in sauce within slow cooker, guaranteeing complete coverage. Cook on low (200°F) for 6-7 hours or high (275°F) for 3-4 hours until meat becomes supremely tender and begins separating from bones.
4. Finishing Process: Transfer cooked ribs to foil-lined baking sheet. Strain cooking liquid, skim fat, and reduce in saucepan. Create cornstarch slurry and incorporate into liquid, stirring until sauce reaches glossy, thick consistency.
5. Caramelization: Brush ribs with thickened sauce, bake at 375°F. Reglaze every 10-15 minutes, developing rich, caramelized exterior over 40-45 minutes.
6. Serving: Remove from oven, rest 5 minutes. Present with additional sauce for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Slice Smartly: Cut ribs into uniform 2-rib portions to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout.
• Sauce Strategy: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend complex flavors and create a harmonious, rich coating that penetrates the meat.
• Fat Management: Skim excess fat from cooking liquid before creating glaze to prevent greasy texture and enhance sauce’s clean, intense flavor profile.
• Caramelization Technique: Brush and rebake ribs multiple times to develop deep, sticky caramelization that transforms ordinary ribs into restaurant-quality masterpiece.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 642
• Sugar: 42g
• Sodium: 1160mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 77g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 105mg