Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Ribs
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With only a handful of pantry staples—brown sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup—you can whip up a sweet-tangy sauce that transforms basic pork ribs into something exceptional. Once the ribs are nestled into the slow cooker and drenched in that glossy mixture, your work is done. The cooker takes over while you go about your day.
After several hours, the payoff is incredible. The house fills with a rich, savory-sweet aroma, the meat softens to perfect tenderness, and each piece becomes so juicy it nearly slips off the bone. The sauce strikes an ideal balance between sweet and sour, making this an irresistibly comforting meal.
Serve the ribs alongside steamed rice and roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a dinner everyone reaches for seconds of. Filling, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe that draws the whole family to the table.
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Water | ⅓ cup |
| Distilled white vinegar | ½ cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Tomato ketchup | ¼ cup |
| Ground ginger | ½ tsp |
| Garlic powder | ¼ tsp |
| Pork spareribs | 3 lbs |
Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar and flour. Add the water, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.
2. Prepare the Ribs
Arrange the spareribs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the ribs, ensuring they’re fully coated.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 10–12 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
4. Serve
Enjoy with rice, roasted vegetables, or your preferred side dishes.
Tips & Variations
- Want extra tang? Add a bit more vinegar. Prefer sweeter? Increase the brown sugar slightly.
- Cut the ribs into smaller pieces for easier serving.
- Make the sauce in advance and refrigerate to save time in the morning.
- Consider doubling the sauce—it’s fantastic spooned over rice or mashed potatoes.
