How To Cook Ribs In Slow Cooker On High [GUIDE]

Few culinary experiences rival the rich, tender satisfaction of slow-cooked ribs. Perfectly cooked ribs boast a delicate balance: meat that is juicy and succulent, slipping off the bone with minimal effort, paired with a glaze or seasoning that penetrates deeply into the flesh. While traditional methods like grilling or oven-baking can achieve these results, the slow cooker offers a unique advantage-it allows the meat to break down over time, intensifying flavor and ensuring an almost foolproof tenderness.

Cooking ribs in a slow cooker on the high setting is a convenient method for those seeking speed without sacrificing taste. It condenses the long, slow-cooking process into a matter of hours while still creating the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes ribs irresistible. Understanding how to navigate cooking time, seasoning, and careful handling will elevate this simple process into a culinary triumph.

Contents

• 1 How Long To Cook Ribs In Slow Cooker On High
• 2 How To Tell If It Is Done
• 3 Ingredients Needed
• 4 How To Cook Ribs In Slow Cooker On High
• 5 When Things Go Wrong
• 6 Expert Tips
• 7 Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?
• 8 Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker
• 9 FAQs
  • 9.1 How Long Should I Cook Ribs In A Slow Cooker On High?
  • 9.2 Should I Use Baby Back Ribs Or Spare Ribs In A Slow Cooker?
  • 9.3 Do I Need To Remove The Membrane From The Ribs Before Cooking?
  • 9.4 Do I Need To Sear The Ribs Before Putting Them In The Slow Cooker?
  • 9.5 What Liquid Should I Add To Cook Ribs In A Slow Cooker On High?
  • 9.6 Can I Cook Ribs In A Slow Cooker Without A Lid?
  • 9.7 How Can I Make The Ribs Tender In A High-speed Slow Cooker Setting?
  • 9.8 Should I Add Barbecue Sauce At The Beginning Or The End?
  • 9.9 How Can I Tell When Ribs Are Fully Cooked In A Slow Cooker?
  • 9.10 Can I Store And Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Ribs Safely?

How Long To Cook Ribs In Slow Cooker On High

Cooking ribs on the high setting in a slow cooker significantly reduces the typical low-and-slow approach while still yielding tender results. Generally, baby back ribs take 3 to 4 hours on high, while larger spare ribs may require 4 to 5 hours. The exact timing depends on the thickness of the meat, bone structure, and even the age of the ribs.

Unlike low cooking, high heat can slightly increase the risk of overcooking, so it is important to monitor the ribs in the final hour. This condensed cooking time is ideal for busy days or weeknight dinners when you want that slow-cooked flavor but can’t dedicate an entire afternoon to the process.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Determining doneness for ribs is less about the clock and more about texture and internal temperature. There are several reliable indicators:

1. Visual Cues: The meat should begin to pull away from the ends of the bones. Bones may slightly protrude from the meat, signaling that the connective tissue has broken down.
2. Internal Temperature: For safe consumption, ribs should reach at least 145°F (63°C), but to achieve true tenderness, an internal temperature of 190-203°F (88-95°C) is ideal.
3. Tenderness Test: Gently lift the ribs with tongs. The meat should bend easily without falling apart completely. If it resists or feels tough, it requires more cooking time.

Ingredients Needed

While slow cooker ribs are forgiving, the choice of ingredients dramatically affects flavor. Here’s a typical list for a flavorful batch:

• Ribs: 2-3 pounds of baby back or spare ribs
• Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Liquid Base: 1/2 cup apple cider, chicken broth, or cola (helps tenderize and maintain moisture)
• Sauce: Your favorite barbecue sauce or a homemade blend (ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices)
• Optional Additions: Honey or maple syrup for sweetness, mustard for tang, or liquid smoke for a smoky finish

How To Cook Ribs In Slow Cooker On High

1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs to allow seasonings to penetrate. This step ensures maximum tenderness.
2. Season Generously: Rub your chosen blend of spices and seasoning onto the ribs. Don’t be shy-this layer forms the backbone of your flavor profile.
3. Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place ribs in the slow cooker, either rolled or stacked, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Pour in your liquid base to maintain moisture throughout the cooking process.
4. Cook on High: Cover and set your slow cooker to high. Baby back ribs typically take 3-4 hours, and spare ribs take 4-5 hours.
5. Add Sauce (Optional): During the last 30-45 minutes, brush ribs with barbecue sauce. This prevents the sugar in the sauce from burning while still creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.
6. Rest Before Serving: Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the cooker to allow juices to redistribute.

When Things Go Wrong

Even with a slow cooker, mishaps can happen:

• Ribs are Tough: This usually means they were undercooked. Return them to the slow cooker with a splash of liquid and continue cooking on high for 30-60 minutes.
• Ribs Are Falling Apart: Overcooking can cause the meat to disintegrate. Adjust timing next time or switch to low heat for longer cooking.
• Sauce is Too Runny: Remove ribs and simmer the sauce in a separate pan to reduce and thicken.
• Flavor Lacking: Next time, increase seasoning or marinate ribs for a few hours before cooking.

Expert Tips

1. Pre-Browning: Searing ribs in a hot pan or under the broiler before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and caramelization.
2. Layer Wisely: Avoid overlapping too many ribs; liquid should circulate evenly.
3. Check Early: Start checking tenderness 30 minutes before the minimum suggested time to avoid overcooking.
4. Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, rub ribs with spices or marinate them overnight in the fridge.
5. Combine Heat Settings: Cook on high for 2-3 hours, then switch to low for an additional hour for perfect tenderness and juiciness.

Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?

Yes! Oven-baking or pressure cooking are excellent alternatives:

• Oven Method: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Wrap ribs in foil with a little liquid and bake for 2.5-3 hours. Finish under the broiler or on a grill with barbecue sauce for caramelization.
• Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot: Place ribs on a trivet with liquid below, cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, and finish under the broiler for a glaze.

Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker

Leftover ribs can be reheated gently without drying:

1. Place ribs in the slow cooker.
2. Add a splash of water, broth, or sauce to maintain moisture.
3. Cook on low for 1-2 hours or high for 30-60 minutes, checking periodically.
4. Cover loosely to prevent condensation from diluting the sauce.

FAQs

How Long Should I Cook Ribs In A Slow Cooker On High?

Ribs typically take 3 to 4 hours to cook on the high setting in a slow cooker. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs, as well as the slow cooker model.

Should I Use Baby Back Ribs Or Spare Ribs In A Slow Cooker?

Both baby back ribs and spare ribs work well. Baby back ribs are leaner and cook slightly faster, usually taking 3 hours, while spare ribs are meatier and may require 3.5 to 4 hours on high.

Do I Need To Remove The Membrane From The Ribs Before Cooking?

Yes, removing the thin silver membrane from the back of the ribs ensures they are more tender and allows flavors to penetrate the meat better.

Do I Need To Sear The Ribs Before Putting Them In The Slow Cooker?

Searing ribs is optional but recommended. Browning them in a skillet before slow cooking enhances flavor and color but is not required for tenderness.

What Liquid Should I Add To Cook Ribs In A Slow Cooker On High?

You can use water, broth, barbecue sauce, or a combination. About ½ to 1 cup of liquid is sufficient to keep the ribs moist during cooking.

Can I Cook Ribs In A Slow Cooker Without A Lid?

No, a lid is essential. Cooking without a lid will cause moisture to escape, resulting in dry and unevenly cooked ribs.

How Can I Make The Ribs Tender In A High-speed Slow Cooker Setting?

Ensure the ribs are covered partially with liquid, cook for the recommended 3-4 hours, and avoid opening the lid frequently. Adding a small amount of acidic ingredient like apple cider vinegar can help break down the meat fibers.

Should I Add Barbecue Sauce At The Beginning Or The End?

For slow cooker ribs, you can add barbecue sauce at the beginning for deep flavor infusion, but brushing more sauce on and broiling for a few minutes at the end enhances the glaze and caramelization.

How Can I Tell When Ribs Are Fully Cooked In A Slow Cooker?

Ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Internal temperature should reach around 190-203°F (88-95°C) for optimal tenderness.

Can I Store And Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Ribs Safely?

Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain tenderness without drying out the meat.