Slow Cooker Maple Country Style Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection
Country style ribs are a budget-friendly cut of pork that’s packed with flavor. They’re perfect for slow cooking because the low, slow heat breaks down the tough connective tissue, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy ribs. This recipe elevates country style ribs with a sweet and savory maple glaze, creating a truly unforgettable meal. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does all the work!
## Why Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs?
* **Tender and Juicy:** The slow cooker transforms tough country style ribs into fall-off-the-bone perfection.
* **Effortless Cooking:** Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Country style ribs are a relatively inexpensive cut of pork.
* **Flavorful:** The maple glaze adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **Versatile:** Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Country Style Ribs:** Approximately 3-4 pounds. Look for ribs with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.
* **Maple Syrup:** Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Grade A dark color robust taste is recommended.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the ribs.
* **Soy Sauce:** Provides umami and saltiness.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Adds a bit of sharpness and depth of flavor.
* **Garlic:** Minced, for a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Onion:** Chopped, for sweetness and savory notes.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Adds smoky flavor and color.
* **Black Pepper:** Freshly ground, for a bit of spice.
* **Salt:** To taste. Be mindful of the soy sauce, which already contains salt.
* **Optional: Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat.
* **Optional: Liquid Smoke:** If you want a deeper smoky flavor. Use sparingly.
* **Optional: Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds more depth and umami.
## Equipment Needed
* **Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger):** A standard slow cooker is essential for this recipe.
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the glaze.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Tongs:** For handling the ribs.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making slow cooker maple country style ribs:
### Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
1. **Rinse and Dry:** Rinse the country style ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better later.
2. **Trim (Optional):** If there’s excessive fat on the ribs, you can trim some of it off. However, a little fat is good for flavor and moisture.
3. **Season (Optional):** While the maple glaze will provide most of the flavor, you can lightly season the ribs with salt and pepper before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps to season the meat directly.
### Step 2: Make the Maple Glaze
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped onion, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, liquid smoke, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the glaze and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more maple syrup. If you want more tang, add a splash more apple cider vinegar. If you want more savory flavor, add a dash more soy sauce.
### Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
1. **Arrange Ribs:** Place the country style ribs in the slow cooker. Try to arrange them in a single layer if possible. If they overlap slightly, that’s okay.
2. **Pour Glaze:** Pour the maple glaze over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Use tongs to turn the ribs in the glaze, if needed.
### Step 4: Slow Cook the Ribs
1. **Cook on Low:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are very tender and easily pull apart. Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after 6 hours.
2. **Cook on High (Alternative):** If you’re short on time, you can cook the ribs on high for 3-4 hours. However, cooking on low will result in more tender ribs.
### Step 5: Optional: Broil or Grill for a Crispy Finish
1. **Preheat Broiler or Grill:** If you want a slightly caramelized and crispy finish, preheat your broiler or grill to medium-high heat.
2. **Transfer Ribs:** Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to a baking sheet lined with foil. Reserve the sauce from the slow cooker.
3. **Broil or Grill:** Broil or grill the ribs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and slightly caramelized. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
4. **Brush with Sauce (Optional):** During the last minute of broiling or grilling, you can brush the ribs with some of the reserved sauce from the slow cooker for added flavor and shine.
### Step 6: Rest and Serve
1. **Rest:** Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful ribs.
2. **Serve:** Serve the slow cooker maple country style ribs with your favorite sides. Spoon some of the reserved sauce from the slow cooker over the ribs before serving.
## Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with slow cooker maple country style ribs:
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for ribs.
* **Coleslaw:** The tanginess of coleslaw complements the sweetness of the maple glaze.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Sweet corn on the cob is a summer favorite that goes well with ribs.
* **Baked Beans:** Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for a barbecue.
* **Mac and Cheese:** Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that kids and adults will love.
* **Green Beans:** A simple side of green beans adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
* **Potato Salad:** Classic potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Dinner Rolls or Cornbread:** For sopping up the delicious sauce.
## Tips and Variations
* **Use bone-in or boneless ribs:** Both bone-in and boneless country style ribs work well in this recipe. Bone-in ribs tend to be more flavorful, but boneless ribs are easier to eat.
* **Add vegetables to the slow cooker:** You can add chopped vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker along with the ribs. They will cook in the sauce and add extra flavor and nutrients to the meal.
* **Make it spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicier flavor.
* **Use different sweeteners:** If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey, brown sugar, or molasses instead. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Add a smoky flavor:** Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the glaze for a deeper smoky flavor.
* **Thicken the sauce:** If you want a thicker sauce, you can remove the ribs from the slow cooker and whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can make the slow cooker maple country style ribs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the slow cooker or oven before serving.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Allow ribs to cool completely. Place ribs and some of the sauce in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on the size of the serving and the ingredients used).
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
## Slow Cooker Maple Country Style Ribs Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours
**Ingredients:**
* 3-4 pounds country style ribs
* 1 cup pure maple syrup
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* Optional: 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
* Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
**Instructions:**
1. Rinse and dry the country style ribs.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped onion, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes, liquid smoke, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Place the country style ribs in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the maple glaze over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
6. Optional: Broil or grill the ribs for 2-3 minutes per side for a crispy finish.
7. Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your delicious and tender slow cooker maple country style ribs!