These Bored Of Lunch slow cooker sticky whiskey BBQ Ribs are a phenomenal combination, perfect for burgers or ribs or to spice up some roasted veggies, made with pork ribs, whiskey, reduced-sugar tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dark soy sauce, and Tabasco sauce.

To make BBQ Ribs in your slow cooker or crockpot, season the ribs, mix the sauce ingredients, and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.

I have listed the ingredients here to make your own barbecue sauce from scratch, but you could skip this and just use a ready-made jar.

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Can I prepare the ribs in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ribs in advance by seasoning and marinating them. Season the ribs and prepare the sauce the night before, then store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, add the ribs and sauce to the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.

Slow Cooker Bbq Ribs Ingredients

• 1–1.5 kg of pork ribs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp of chopped spring onions, for garnish
• 2 tbsp of fresh coriander, for garnish

Sauce:

• 25 ml of whiskey (I use Jack Daniel’s)
• 8 tbsp of reduced-sugar tomato ketchup
• 3 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp of dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp of Tabasco sauce
• 80 ml of apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
• 100 ml of pineapple juice
• 1 tbsp of tomato purée
• 3 tbsp of brown sugar
• 2 tbsp of molasses or honey

How To Make Slow Cooker Bbq Ribs

1. Prepare the ribs: Place the pork ribs in the slow cooker and season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. Combine the sauce ingredients: In a bowl, mix the whiskey, reduced-sugar tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dark soy sauce, Tabasco sauce, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, tomato purée, brown sugar, and molasses or honey until well combined.
3. Add the sauce to the ribs: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring all the ribs are well coated.
4. Cook the ribs: Set the slow cooker to high and cook the ribs for 4 hours, or set it to low and cook for 7 hours, until the ribs are tender and fully cooked through.
5. Crisp the ribs (optional): For an extra crispy result, place the ovenproof slow-cooker pot (without the lid) under a hot grill for 10 minutes. If your slow-cooker pot isn’t oven-safe, transfer the ribs to a baking tray and place them under the grill instead.
6. Garnish and serve: Once cooked, garnish the ribs with chopped spring onions and fresh coriander before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and tender BBQ ribs!

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To make the sauce thicker, remove the ribs and simmer the sauce. Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and cook on medium heat until it reduces to your desired thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right ribs: Use baby back ribs for a tender and juicy result.
• Season generously: Always season your ribs generously with salt and pepper for the best flavor.
• Monitor cooking time: Check the ribs occasionally to ensure they are not overcooked or undercooked.
• Add sauce later: Apply additional BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.
• Let it rest: Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the taste.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy BBQ ribs: Add extra Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey-glazed ribs: Replace molasses with honey and add a little extra for a sweeter glaze.
• Asian-inspired ribs: Substitute soy sauce with hoisin sauce and add some grated ginger and garlic.
• Smoky ribs: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Garlic-lovers ribs: Add minced garlic to the sauce and rub the ribs with garlic powder before cooking.

What to Serve With BBQ Ribs

Serve your Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs with zesty sides like coleslaw, cornbread, roasted Brussels sprouts, baked sweet potatoes, and pickled onions.

I love pairing them with creamy potato salad and tangy cucumber salad for a complete meal. Add some grilled peaches or a fresh green salad for variety.

How to Store Leftover BBQ Ribs

In The Fridge:

Store leftover BBQ ribs in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Leftover ribs can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep the ribs separate from any side dishes.

In The Freezer:

You can freeze leftover BBQ ribs by wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the bag with the date for easy reference later.

How to Reheat Leftover BBQ Ribs

Reheat your leftover BBQ ribs in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave the ribs on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooked Pickled Pork
• Slow Cooker Steak Diane
• Slow Cooker Savoury Mince