Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Sticky Ribs
Tender, flavorful, and irresistibly sticky, these Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Sticky Ribs are the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Featuring fall-off-the-bone pork spare ribs coated in a luscious homemade sweet and tangy sauce, this recipe perfectly balances bold flavors with effortless preparation. A savory mix of garlic, onion, soy sauce, and honey melds beautifully with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and ketchup, all slow-cooked to perfection. Finished under the broiler for a caramelized glaze and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, these ribs are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish brings slow cooker convenience to the world of restaurant-quality barbecue.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Pork spare ribs
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Water
- 2 Green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane on the back. This will ensure the ribs are more tender and allow the flavors to penetrate better.
Season both sides of the ribs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cut the ribs into sections of 3 to 4 bones to fit into your slow cooker more easily.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and minced garlic until well combined.
Place the rib sections into the slow cooker, arranging them in layers. Pour the prepared sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or on high heat for 4 hours, until the ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone.
Once the ribs are cooked, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a large baking sheet lined with foil. Preheat the broiler in your oven to high.
Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let it reduce for 5–7 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the saucepan, whisking constantly, to thicken the sauce. Simmer the sauce for an additional 2–3 minutes until glossy and thickened.
Brush the thickened sauce generously over the ribs, ensuring they’re well coated. Broil the ribs for 3–5 minutes until the sauce becomes caramelized and sticky, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove the ribs from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your sweet and sour sticky ribs!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1249 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.8 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.6 g | 138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 286 mg | 95% | |
| Sodium | 1599 mg | 70% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.5 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.2 g | ||
| Protein | 84.6 g | 169% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 114 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 1149 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
