Description
Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ribs and Slaw is a hearty meal that features succulent, slow-cooked ribs paired with a crunchy coleslaw. The ribs are seasoned and cooked low and slow in the crockpot until they’re incredibly tender and juicy. The slaw, made with a blend of cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky ribs. This dish is perfect for a weekend meal or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups of shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups of shredded red cabbage (optional)
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it hasn’t already been removed. This helps the ribs cook more evenly and allows the flavors to penetrate better.
- Make the Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a spice rub.
- Season the Ribs: Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides.
- Cook the Ribs: Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker, standing them up on their edges if necessary to fit. Pour the apple cider vinegar around the ribs and drizzle 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are tender and easily pull away from the bone.
- Make the Slaw: While the ribs are cooking, prepare the slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and parsley (if using). In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate the slaw until ready to serve.
- Finish the Ribs: Once the ribs are cooked, preheat your oven’s broiler. Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
- Serve: Serve the ribs hot, alongside the coleslaw. Offer additional barbecue sauce on the side if desired.