This tender and flavorful rib recipe uses a slow cooker to infuse every bite with garlic herb butter. The ribs are seasoned, slow-cooked to perfection, then broiled for a crispy finish, making them an irresistible and comforting dinner option.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- Pat ribs dry and remove the membrane from the back if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the seasoning mix all over the ribs on both sides.
- In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and olive oil.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker, curling them around the sides if necessary to fit.
- Pour the garlic herb butter evenly over the ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the meat is tender.
- Carefully remove ribs from the slow cooker and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the top, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 780mg
Why Slow Cooking Works for Ribs
Slow cooking allows ribs to become incredibly tender by breaking down the connective tissues over several hours. This low and slow method ensures the meat becomes juicy without drying out, creating fall-off-the-bone perfection that’s hard to replicate in the oven or on the grill.
Benefits of Garlic Herb Butter
The garlic herb butter adds richness and depth to the ribs. Garlic brings a pungent, savory note while herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley introduce a fresh, aromatic layer. Combined with butter, they create a luxurious sauce that infuses flavor into every bite of the ribs.
Choosing the Right Cut of Ribs
When making slow cooker ribs, baby back ribs or spare ribs are commonly used. Baby back ribs are leaner and more tender, while spare ribs have more fat and a richer flavor. Either cut works, depending on your preference, but cooking times may slightly vary due to size and thickness.
Creating the Perfect Spice Blend
A spice rub sets the flavor foundation before the ribs even go into the slow cooker. Seasonings like paprika, black pepper, and onion powder give the ribs a smoky, savory profile. Herbs like thyme and rosemary pair naturally with the garlic butter and deepen the overall flavor.
Butter as a Flavor Carrier
Butter isn’t just for richness—it acts as a vehicle to carry the garlic and herbs into the meat. As it melts and mixes with the juices in the slow cooker, it forms a self-basting sauce that circulates flavor evenly throughout the ribs.
Garlic’s Role in Elevating the Dish
Garlic enhances the savory taste and creates a bold, aromatic profile that’s balanced by the creamy butter and fragrant herbs. Whether raw or cooked, garlic delivers depth and complexity to the overall taste, making it a critical component of this recipe.
Why Fresh Herbs Make a Difference
Using fresh herbs like parsley in the final garnish provides a bright, earthy note that complements the richness of the butter and meat. While dried herbs are used in the seasoning, fresh parsley adds visual appeal and a clean, vibrant finish to the dish.
Importance of Removing the Membrane
Removing the silverskin from the back of the ribs is essential for tenderness. Leaving it on can result in a rubbery texture and prevent flavors from fully penetrating the meat during cooking.
Broiling for the Final Touch
Once the ribs are done in the slow cooker, broiling them gives the exterior a caramelized, crispy texture that mimics traditional barbecue ribs. This quick step adds a delightful contrast to the tender interior without needing a grill or smoker.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
These ribs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, store the ribs with some of the cooking juices to retain moisture. They also freeze well for up to three months, making them ideal for meal prep.
How to Reheat Leftover Ribs
To reheat, place the ribs in a baking dish with a bit of reserved cooking liquid or broth, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F until warmed through. This method helps maintain their tenderness without drying them out.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Serve these garlic herb butter ribs with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal. The rich flavor of the ribs pairs especially well with creamy or acidic sides to cut through the richness.
Making the Recipe Keto-Friendly
This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets. With high-fat content from the butter and meat, it’s a hearty and satisfying option for those avoiding carbs or sugar.
Adjusting the Heat Level
While this recipe isn’t spicy, it’s easy to customize the heat. Adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the rub can give the ribs a subtle kick without overwhelming the herb and butter flavors.
Scaling the Recipe for a Crowd
To serve more people, simply double the recipe ingredients and use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches. Since the slow cooker evenly distributes heat, the flavor and tenderness remain consistent even when scaling up.
Making it Dairy-Free
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. While the flavor will slightly differ, the garlic and herbs will still create a delicious profile.
Using the Leftover Juices
Don’t discard the flavorful juices left in the slow cooker. They can be spooned over the ribs before serving or thickened into a sauce with a cornstarch slurry for added flavor. This liquid is rich in garlic, herbs, and meat drippings—perfect for extra saucing.
Cooking on High vs. Low Setting
Cooking the ribs on low for 7–8 hours yields the most tender result, but if you’re short on time, the high setting for 4–5 hours still delivers great flavor. The low-and-slow method is ideal, but the flexibility of the slow cooker makes either option convenient.
Why This Recipe is Great for Beginners
This dish is easy to follow and doesn’t require complicated techniques, making it a perfect choice for beginners. The slow cooker handles the hard part—ensuring tender meat—while the seasoning and broiling steps provide a professional finish.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Butter Ribs offer an effortless way to achieve rich, flavorful, and tender ribs at home. With just a few minutes of prep and simple ingredients, the slow cooker transforms the meat into a comforting, restaurant-quality dish. The combination of garlic, herbs, and butter is timeless, elevating this recipe beyond the average barbecue rib. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just craving a satisfying meal, these ribs deliver on taste, texture, and convenience.