Ingredients
2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total)
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat dry.
- Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to make the spice rub.
- Rub the spice mix evenly over the ribs and let them rest for 30 minutes.
- Mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
- Place ribs in the slow cooker and pour half the sauce mixture over them.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until tender.
- Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with the reserved sauce.
- Broil for 5–10 minutes until caramelized.
- Let rest briefly, cut into portions, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Use St. Louis-style ribs for a meatier option.
Substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard for a classic tang.
Add liquid smoke for deeper smoky flavor.
Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors like chipotle or molasses.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker + Broiler
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 2/3 rack)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg