Description
Succulent slow cooker root beer bbq pork ribs meld sweet and tangy flavors for a mouthwatering meal. Hearty ribs simmered in root beer sauce offer a comforting dinner that satisfies deep hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (trimmed)
- 1 large onion (yellow or white, sliced)
- 3 tbsps of coarse kosher salt
- 1 tbsp of chili powder
- 1 tbsp of paprika
- 1 tbsp of dried oregano
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- 1 tbsp of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of root beer
- 1 1/2 cups of onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 cup of root beer
- 1 1/2 cups of BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tbsp of minced chipotle in adobo sauce (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a robust spice blend by mixing salt, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, and paprika. Remove the membrane from the ribs’ back surface to enhance seasoning absorption. Massage the spice mixture thoroughly across the meat’s surface.
- Create a flavorful base in the slow cooker by layering sliced onions and pouring root beer. Arrange the seasoned ribs atop the onions, trimming as needed to fit comfortably. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender.
- Craft the BBQ sauce by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes. Introduce root beer and reduce by half. Incorporate BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chipotle, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop deep flavors.
- Transform the sauce into a smooth consistency using a blender or immersion blender. Puree until completely uniform and silky.
- Activate the oven’s broiler, positioning the rack 4-6 inches from the heat source. Transfer ribs carefully to a foil-lined baking sheet. Generously brush with prepared BBQ sauce. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and bubbles, watching attentively to prevent burning.
- Present the ribs immediately, offering additional BBQ sauce alongside for guests to customize their dining experience.
Notes
- Always remove the tough back membrane before seasoning to ensure deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
- Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika or adding a touch of cayenne for extra heat without overwhelming the root beer’s sweetness.
- If the BBQ sauce appears too thin, continue simmering or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve desired thickness without compromising rich flavor.
- Prepare the BBQ sauce and spice rub a day in advance to enhance flavor development and streamline cooking process.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 484 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 1025 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg