This recipe is for 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sticky Ribs — very easy, tender ribs finished under the broiler for a sticky BBQ glaze.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 3–4 lbs / 1.4–1.8 kg)
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce (divided)
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt & black pepper (optional for seasoning)
Instructions
1. Prepare the ribs
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs (optional but helps tenderness).
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cut the racks in half if needed to fit the slow cooker.
2. Make the sauce
In a bowl, mix:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3. Slow cook
- Put the ribs in the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce mixture over them.
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 7–8 hours
- High: 4–5 hours
The ribs should become very tender.
4. Finish under the broiler (important step)
- Heat the oven broiler.
- Place cooked ribs on a baking tray lined with foil.
- Brush with the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce.
- Broil for 3–5 minutes until sticky and caramelized (watch carefully so they don’t burn).
Serving ideas
Serve with:
- French fries or roasted potatoes
- Coleslaw or salad
- Corn on the cob
- Rice or bread
Tip: These taste even better if you let the ribs sit for 5 minutes before cutting. The glaze thickens and sticks better.
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