Crock Pot Babyback Ribs

When you want fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with minimal effort, these crock pot babyback ribs are the answer. Slow-cooked to perfection, they soak up all the delicious teriyaki flavor while staying juicy and tender. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that feels special yet couldn’t be easier to make.

This recipe for slow cooker baby back ribs is truly a set-it-and-forget-it wonder. With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll have tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs infused with a sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze. The best part? The slow cooker handles everything while you go about your day. When ready, these teriyaki ribs are coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that makes them irresistible. Ideal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend meals, this recipe makes enjoying homemade ribs easier than ever.

Why We Love This Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

• Set and forget
  The slow cooker handles all the hard work, making this an easy option for a no-fuss dinner just like our other crockpot meals!
• Incredible flavor
  The combination of teriyaki sauce, balsamic vinegar, and garlic creates a rich and savory glaze that’s irresistible.
• Versatile dish
  These ribs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Pork baby back ribs: Look for ribs marked “extra meaty.” These larger baby back ribs hold up better during slow cooking in the Crock Pot. We prefer Smithfield brand, but any brand is fine to use.
• Teriyaki sauce: You can also use soy sauce or hoisin sauce for this recipe and add honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.
  Add your favorite sauce to supplement the teriyaki sauce or use a completely different sauce. We like to change things up by adding a little BBQ sauce.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the sauce. If you don’t have this in hand, you can use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead.
• Garlic: I used minced garlic for the sauce, but you can also use fresh garlic.
• Salt and pepper: Adjust the flavor to taste, and feel free to add spices of your choice for more flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy teriyaki: Turn up the heat by adding 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce. This bold twist gives your slow cooker baby back ribs a fiery kick. For extra depth, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne powder and a dash of black pepper while the ribs cook.
• Honey garlic: For a sweeter glaze, replace half of the teriyaki sauce with honey and add a touch of garlic powder and onion powder. This blend gives your slow cooker ribs recipe a rich, balanced sweetness that pairs perfectly with tender meat.
• Pineapple teriyaki: Bring tropical vibes to your table by stirring ¼ cup of pineapple juice into the sauce. This fruity addition brightens up the teriyaki ribs and adds a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
• Sticky soy BBQ: Swap out the teriyaki for a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar, then stir in your favorite barbecue sauce for a unique glaze. This Asian-inspired variation gives your crock pot babyback ribs a sticky, smoky finish that’s simply irresistible.

Equipment Used in Our Recipe

• Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): Ensures the meat cook slowly and evenly, making them tender and flavorful.

How to Remove Membrane from Baby Back Ribs

1. Remove the thin membrane on the underside of the rack of ribs (see photos and tips below).
   Removing the rib membranes allows for the seasoning to permeate both sides of the meat, providing more flavoring.

2. Turn the slab over so that the bones are facing up. Using a sharp paring knife, separate the membrane from the rib bones, as shown above.

3. To strip the membrane from the teriyaki pork ribs, grasp the membranes with a paper towel and pull it from the bones as shown above and below.

This process takes a little practice, but once you have done it a few times, it will take 1-2 minutes.

How to Make Teriyaki Ribs

This set it and forget it recipe has just a few simple steps!

1. Cut the slab of pork ribs to fit inside your slow cooker (this is the one I use). Then, brush with teriyaki sauce and season with salt and pepper.
2. Set the slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
3. Avoid overcooking pork ribs, as it will leave you with tough or dry meat.
4. Check the internal temperature to determine proper cooking of the pork. When fully cooked, the internal temperature of baby back ribs should be 165°F.
5. Add balsamic vinegar and garlic, and thicken the sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This crock pot babyback ribs recipe is so versatile, you can serve them in a variety of delicious ways!

For a classic approach, enjoy these bone-tender BBQ ribs straight from the slow cooker, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor. Serve the ribs bone-side up for presentation and pair them with a refreshing small bowl of salad or creamy coleslaw.

Want to switch it up? Use the tender meat to create a flavorful rib sandwich—just shred the meat and pile it onto a buttery biscuit or soft roll. Add a hearty side like loaded potatoes casserole, and for extra comfort, try pinto beans in Instant Pot without soaking. Round out the meal with some fluffy, easy biscuits with self rising flour, and finish on a sweet note with apple cobbler recipes with Bisquick or cheesecake deviled strawberries recipe for dessert.

Whether served with a variety of sides or reimagined in a new dish, these ribs will be the star of your meal!

Recipe FAQs

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