Honey Buffalo Ribs in Slow Cooker – Easy Recipe

The Honey Buffalo Ribs in Slow Cooker recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, slow-cooked to perfection to give you tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. This easy-to-make dish combines honey, buffalo sauce, and various seasonings to create a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Pork Loin Back Ribs: These are the main ingredients of the recipe. They are pork ribs from the back of the pig, near the loin.

Frank’s Red Buffalo Wing Sauce: This famous buffalo wing sauce brand gives the ribs a spicy kick.

Kosher Salt: This type of salt is used for seasoning the ribs. Kosher salt has a larger grain size than regular table salt, which can help bring out the meat’s flavors.

Apricot Preserves: These add a sweet and fruity flavor to the ribs.

Honey: This is used to sweeten the buffalo sauce and give the ribs a sticky, sweet coating.

Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This adds a savory, umami flavor to the ribs. The low sodium version is used to control the salt content of the dish.

Black Pepper: This is used to season the ribs and add a bit of heat.

Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the buffalo sauce and give it a glossy finish.

Barbecue Rub: This is a mix of spices and seasonings used to flavor the ribs. The specific blend can vary depending on personal preference.

Hot Mustard: This adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the buffalo sauce.

Dark Brown Sugar: This sweetens the buffalo sauce and gives it a rich caramel flavor.

Cooking Spray greases the slow cooker to prevent the ribs from sticking.

Baking Sheet and Foil: These are used for the initial baking of the ribs in the oven. The foil is used for easy cleanup.

Crock Pot or Slow Cooker: This is used to slow cook the ribs, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

How To Make Honey Buffalo Ribs in Slow Cooker

Seasoning the Ribs

Season pork loin back ribs with salt, pepper, and barbecue rub. This can be done by sprinkling the seasoning over the ribs and mixing it in. You can rub the seasoning into the meat if your ribs are not sliced.

Preparing for Baking

Next, arrange the seasoned ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet. The ribs should be placed upside down. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Initial Baking

Bake the ribs on each side in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This step is essential as it helps to sear the ribs before they are slow-cooked.

Preparing the Sauce

While the ribs are baking, you can prepare the sauce. Combine the Buffalo wing sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, apricot preserves, spicy mustard, and honey in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then turn off the heat. Pour the sauce into a Pyrex cup and reserve one cup for later.

Arranging the Ribs in the Slow Cooker

Once the ribs have baked for 30 minutes, you can transfer them to a slow cooker. Before placing the ribs in the slow cooker, spray it with cooking spray and add a thin layer of the prepared sauce.

Slow-cooking the Ribs

After adding the ribs to the slow cooker, pour the rest of the sauce over them. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for seven to nine hours or on high for four to five hours.

Basting the Ribs

After three hours of slow cooking, baste the ribs with some of the sauce from the slow cooker. This step helps to keep the ribs moist and flavorful.

Finishing the Ribs

Once the ribs are fully cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a rack. Brush the ribs with the reserved sauce.

Serving the Ribs

Finally, plate your delicious honey buffalo ribs and enjoy! These ribs are perfect for a hearty meal or entertaining guests.

What To Serve With Honey Buffalo Ribs

Honey Buffalo Ribs can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy flavor of coleslaw complements the sweet and spicy taste of the ribs perfectly.
2. Cornbread: This classic side dish is excellent for soaking up the delicious rib sauce.
3. Baked Beans: A hearty side that pairs well with the meaty ribs.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: The creamy, cheesy pasta is a comforting addition to the spicy ribs.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can add a lighter, healthier side to the dish.
6. Potato Salad: Another classic BBQ side, potato salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy ribs.
7. Corn on the Cob: Whether grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is an excellent side for ribs.
8. Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance out the richness of the ribs.

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