Slow-cooked barbequed beef ribs are a delicious treat you can make at home. This recipe from The Genetic Chef shows how to make tender, tasty ribs with a simple slow cooker method. With just a few ingredients and little effort, you’ll enjoy the amazing smell of fall-off-the-bone ribs. These ribs are a hit with anyone who loves BBQ.
Key Takeaways
- Beef ribs are juicier than brisket and chuck, with a unique bone-in texture that enhances the overall flavor.
- The recipe suggests using the most common cut of beef ribs in Australia, known as beef short ribs, which shrink by approximately 30% during cooking.
- The cooking process involves a combination of slow cooking and broiling or grilling to achieve the perfect fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
- The homemade BBQ sauce features a blend of ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and spices, which can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences.
- The recipe offers versatility, allowing for the use of alternative cuts of meat, such as beef cheeks and chuck, in addition to the recommended beef short ribs.
Understanding Beef Ribs: Cuts and Selection
Beef ribs come in different cuts, each with its own taste and cooking style. The main types are beef short ribs and beef back ribs. Short ribs are chunky and have lots of meat, perfect for slow cooking like braising or barbecuing. Back ribs have less meat and are better for quick cooking.
Types of Beef Ribs Available
- Plate short ribs come from the cow’s short plate section near the chest. They are high in fat and great for smoking and barbecuing.
- Chuck short ribs are cut from the upper chest area. They are more common in supermarkets than other types.
- Back ribs are from the cow’s back, above the short ribs. They have less meat on the bone than short ribs.
How to Choose Quality Beef Ribs
Look for large, meaty cuts when picking beef ribs. Remember, ribs will shrink by about 30% when cooked. Avoid pre-packaged rib racks as they can be too salty.
Size and Portion Guidelines
For the best serving size, aim for 300-350g (10-12 oz) of raw, bone-in beef ribs per person. This size ensures a filling meal, considering the meat’s shrinkage during cooking.
| Rib Cut | Typical Length | Meat Content |
|---|---|---|
| Plate Short Ribs | Up to 12 inches | Approximately 2 inches of meat on top |
| Chuck Short Ribs | 3 to 6 inches | Smaller amount of meat compared to plate short ribs |
| Back Ribs | Shorter than short ribs | Less meat between the bones |
Essential Equipment and Kitchen Tools
To make the perfect slow cooker barbecued beef ribs, you need the right tools. You’ll need a slow cooker or crockpot, a baking pan for the sauce, and maybe a grill or broiler for the last step.
A 1-quart pot is perfect for making your BBQ sauce. Foil-lined baking sheets are great for catching any spills. You don’t need expensive gear to make this delicious dish. Even an old slow cooker will do the job.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Slow Cooker or Crockpot | Slow cooking the beef ribs to perfection |
| Baking Pan | Preparing the homemade BBQ sauce |
| Grill or Broiler (optional) | Finishing the ribs for added caramelization |
| 1-quart Pot | Crafting the homemade BBQ sauce |
| Foil-lined Baking Sheets | Containing any drippings or sauce spills |
With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious slow-cooked barbecued beef rib dish. It’s sure to wow your family and friends.
Perfect BBQ Rub Ingredients
Making the perfect BBQ spice rub is key to delicious, tender beef ribs. It’s all about mixing sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Let’s look at the main ingredients for this rub.
Dry Spices Combination
The base of the BBQ rub is a mix of dry spices. This includes:
- Brown sugar
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Oregano
- Black pepper
Sugar and Salt Ratios
Finding the right mix of sweet and savory is crucial. Adjust the sugar and salt to your liking. Sugar helps create a tasty crust on the ribs.
Storage Tips for Extra Rub
Make a big batch of the BBQ spice rub and save it. Store it in an airtight container or a spice bottle. This way, you can add flavor to many dishes, like roasted veggies or grilled meats.
“The secret to perfectly cooked beef ribs lies in the careful balance of spices. Experiment with the ratios to find your ultimate BBQ rub recipe.”
Homemade BBQ Sauce Components
Improving your slow-cooked beef ribs starts with making a tasty homemade barbecue sauce. The secret to a great BBQ sauce is mixing sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients. Let’s look at the main parts of this homemade sauce.
The sauce’s base is ketchup, giving it a rich tomato flavor. Apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness with a tangy taste. Brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness. Garlic and onion powder bring depth and complexity to the flavor.
A pinch of mustard powder and cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat. Worcestershire sauce brings a savory umami flavor, blending all the tastes together. This homemade BBQ sauce is both versatile and delicious.
This BBQ sauce not only makes the slow-cooked beef ribs taste better but also serves as a tasty braising liquid. It lets the meat soak up all the flavors while cooking. With just a 10-minute simmer, you’ll have a vibrant, homemade sauce that takes your barbecue to the next level.
“The key to a finger-licking good barbecue is in the sauce. This homemade version hits all the right notes – sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced.”
Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs
Preparation Steps
To start, pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Then, apply the homemade barbecue rub all over. Make sure to cover the ribs evenly. Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker and pour barbecue sauce over them. This ensures the ribs are fully covered.
Cooking Time Guidelines
Cook the ribs on the low setting for 7-8 hours for tender results. If you’re in a hurry, cook them on the high setting for 3-4 hours. For a balance, choose the low setting for 5 hours.
Temperature Settings
The perfect internal temperature for slow cooker ribs is 190-205°F (88-96°C). This ensures the meat is tender and falls off the bone easily. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the ribs too soft and fall apart.
| Cooking Time | Temperature Setting | Rib Texture |
|---|---|---|
| 7-8 hours | Low | Tender, fall-off-the-bone |
| 3-4 hours | High | Softer, but firmer |
| 5 hours | Low | Tender and juicy |
Adjust cooking time and temperature based on rib size and thickness. Always check with a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are tender.
“The key to perfect slow cooker ribs is finding the sweet spot between tenderness and texture. With the right cooking time and temperature, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that melts in your mouth.”
Cooking Timeline and Process
Preparing slow-cooked barbequed beef ribs is a labor of love. The process is surprisingly straightforward. Start by preheating your oven to 160°C/320°F.
With your homemade rib rub ready, apply it generously to the beef ribs. Make sure every part is coated. Then, place the seasoned ribs in a baking pan and cover them in your favorite barbecue sauce.
Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid. Let the ribs slow-cook for about 3.5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
After the initial slow-cooking, remove the foil or lid. Flip the ribs and bake for another 30 minutes. Baste the ribs with sauce halfway through.
The total cooking time is around 4 hours. This results in ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender. You can prepare the ribs earlier in the day or even the day before. The slow cooking timeline lets the flavors deepen and improve over time.
“The slow cooker has become an absolute lifesaver, especially with the addition of twins to our family. This recipe for Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs is a go-to for easy, hands-off meal preparation that always delivers delicious results.”
This straightforward rib cooking process and slow cooking timeline will give you tender, flavorful barbequed beef ribs. They’re sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Tips for Achieving Fall-Off-The-Bone Tenderness
Getting your tender ribs to fall-off-the-bone tenderness is a big goal. It’s all about keeping the right temperature and managing moisture during cooking.
Temperature Control
Low and slow cooking is key for fall-off-the-bone ribs. Keep the temperature around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps break down connective tissues without drying the meat out. A good roasting pan, costing about $25, helps with temperature control.
Moisture Management
It’s important to keep the slow cooker covered to keep moisture in. But, don’t overcook, or the meat might fall off the bone too much. The meat should come off the bone easily when you eat it.
In the last step, brush the tender ribs with homemade BBQ sauce. This adds flavor and keeps them moist. Grill the ribs on low heat and apply multiple coats of sauce for a tasty glaze.
“Slow cooking in a marinade for 5 hours accounts for 85% of the ribs’ tenderness.”
By using these tips, you’ll make ribs that are so tender, everyone will love them.
Finishing Techniques: Broiler vs Grill
After slow cooking your flavorful beef ribs in the crockpot for 8-10 hours, it’s time to add the final touch of caramelization. You can achieve this by finishing the ribs under the broiler or on the grill. Both methods have their advantages, so let’s explore the pros and cons of each approach.
Broiler Finish
Broiling the ribs is a quick and easy way to caramelize the BBQ sauce and create a delightful, charred crust. Simply place the slow-cooked ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil them for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This method is ideal for those who want to get the job done fast without the hassle of firing up the grill.
Grill Finish
For a more pronounced smoky flavor, you can finish the ribs on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 500°F) and grill the ribs for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sauce is caramelized. This method adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish, making it a great choice for backyard barbecues and grilling enthusiasts.
Whichever finishing technique you choose, be sure to brush or spoon additional BBQ sauce over the ribs before placing them under the broiler or on the grill. This will ensure the sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, glazed outer layer that complements the tender, fall-off-the-bone interior.
Whether you opt for the convenience of the broiler or the smoky allure of the grill, the key to achieving the perfect broiled or grilled ribs is to keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat source as soon as the sauce starts to caramelize. This will ensure your slow-cooked beef ribs are elevated to new heights of flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs recipe is full of flavor. But, it’s key to think about its nutritional impact. Each serving (for 8 servings) has 1035 calories, 76g of fat, and 32g of saturated fat. It also has 166mg of cholesterol, 2965mg of sodium, and 50g of carbs.
It’s worth noting that the beef short ribs add a lot of calories and fat. Yet, this dish is also rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium. To keep things balanced, aim for 2-3 ribs per person. This depends on the size of the ribs and what sides you serve.
Enjoying this recipe while watching your diet is possible. Just be mindful of the calories and portion sizes. This way, you can savor the delicious taste of Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs without overdoing it.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients for the slow cooker barbequed beef ribs recipe?
The main ingredients are water, ketchup, tomato paste, and brown sugar. You also need vinegar, mustard, and salt.
How long does it take to prepare and cook the slow cooker barbequed beef ribs?
It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 4 hours to cook in the slow cooker.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves 4 people.
What types of beef ribs are best for this recipe?
Beef short ribs are the best choice. They are chunky and meaty, perfect for slow cooking.
What equipment is needed to make the slow cooker barbequed beef ribs?
You need a slow cooker or crockpot and a baking pan for sauce. You might also use a grill or broiler for the final step.
What ingredients are in the homemade BBQ rub?
The BBQ rub has brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder. It also includes onion powder, cumin, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
What are the key components of the homemade BBQ sauce?
The BBQ sauce is made with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. It also has garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper.
How long should the ribs be cooked in the slow cooker?
Cook the ribs on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours. For a 5-hour cook, use Low.
How do you achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness for the slow cooker barbequed beef ribs?
Keep the slow cooker at a low temperature. Cover it to keep moisture in. Avoid overcooking for tender ribs.
How do you finish the slow cooker barbequed beef ribs?
Finish the ribs under the broiler for 2-4 minutes or on the grill for 5-10 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce and adds a char.
What is the nutritional information and serving size for the slow cooker barbequed beef ribs?
Each serving (4 servings) has 1035 calories, 76g fat, and 166mg cholesterol. It also has 2965mg sodium, 50g carbohydrates, and 39g protein. Serve 2-3 ribs per person, depending on size and accompaniments.