Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these irresistible Slow Cooker Sticky Asian Ribs that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs glazed in a tantalizingly sweet and savory sauce that combines the perfect balance of Asian-inspired ingredients. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, turning your slow cooker into a magical flavor-infusing machine.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork ribs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork ribs. If they have a membrane on the back, remove it for better flavor absorption and tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker, standing them upright if possible to maximize space. Pour the prepared sticky sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated. If necessary, use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly over the ribs.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method will allow the ribs to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, check the ribs. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid and let the sauce reduce slightly by cooking uncovered for the last 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer it on the stove until it thickens.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker using tongs. They will be very tender, so handle them gently to prevent them from falling apart.
- Serve the ribs on a platter, drizzling the sticky sauce over them. You can garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker Sticky Asian Ribs with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Tips
- Remove the membrane: Always take the time to remove the tough membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness and sauce absorption.
- Sauce consistency matters: If you prefer a thicker, more concentrated sauce, let it reduce uncovered during the last 30 minutes of cooking or simmer it separately on the stovetop.
- Temperature is key: Cooking on low for 6 hours ensures the ribs become incredibly tender without drying out.
- Enhance presentation: Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions to add a fresh, vibrant touch to your dish.
- Make ahead friendly: These ribs actually taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare them in advance for meal prep or gatherings.
- Customize the heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance - more for heat lovers, less for those who prefer mild flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 150mg
