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Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Exceptionally tender and flavorful, these slow-cooked BBQ baby back ribs are seasoned with a robust homemade dry rub, gently braised in a slow cooker for six hours, and finished under the broiler to achieve a caramelized glaze with your preferred barbecue sauce.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 pounds baby back pork ribs also known as pork loin back ribs
  • ½ yellow onion sliced
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Approximately 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce or to taste

Instructions

  • Begin by removing the membrane from the underside of the rib rack. Use a small knife to gently lift the membrane on one end until you can grasp it; then peel it off completely across the length of the ribs. Pat the ribs dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  • Combine all dry rub components in a small bowl. Apply this mixture evenly across both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat to ensure full coverage.
  • Position the ribs inside a 6-quart slow cooker, either coiled along the edges or stacked as needed to fit. In the center, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and water. Secure the lid tightly.
  • Set the slow cooker to the LOW setting and cook for 6 hours, or 6.5 hours if using a larger 4-pound rack. Take care not to overcook to avoid the ribs becoming overly fragile.
  • Once cooked, gently transfer the ribs to a baking sheet. If they are too delicate to move whole, slice them into two or three portions and lift with a wide spatula from underneath to preserve the structure.
  • Generously brush the ribs with BBQ sauce. Place under a broiler on the middle rack for 2 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize without burning.
  • Serve hot, optionally garnished with the cooked onions from the slow cooker, and accompany with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For optimal presentation and texture, avoid broiling too close to the heating element. Adjust timing as needed based on your oven’s intensity.