Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tips (Easy Recipe)

If you want to enjoy some mouth-watering and succulent pork ribs but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, then this slow cooker pork rib tips recipe is made for you!

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe yields deliciously tender and flavorful ribs that are perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tips Recipe

1. Perfectly tender and juicy meat with a delicious BBQ sauce flavor.
2. Slow cooking ensures that the meat is infused with a smoky and savory taste.
3. Easy to make with minimal effort and ingredients, suitable for busy weeknights.
4. Ideal for feeding a crowd – just double or triple the recipe accordingly.
5. Can be customized with your favorite flavors and seasonings.

Recommended Equipment

• Slow cooker: for tenderizing and slow-cooking the pork rib tips until they have a perfect texture.
• Broiler pan: to crisp up the ribs after cooking and add a nice char to the BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): adds a touch of sweetness to the recipe and caramelizes the ribs for a delicious crust.
• Chili powder (1 tablespoon): adds a bit of heat and a nice flavor to the rub.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): enhances the taste of the dish and helps the meat absorb the flavors.
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon): adds a strong, slightly-spicy flavor to the rub.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): adds a delicious, savory hint of garlic to the ribs.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): adds subtle sweetness and flavor.
• Pork rib tips (1 pound): the star ingredient of this recipe, deliciously tender and meaty, perfect for slow cooking.
• BBQ sauce (18 ounces, divided): a key flavor component of the recipe, deliciously sweet, savory, and smoky.
• Liquid smoke flavoring (1 tablespoon): adds a smoky, wood-fired flavor to the dish.

How To Make Delicious Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tips

1. In a large bowl, mix brown sugar, chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
2. Add the pork rib tips to the bowl, and toss until evenly coated with the rub.
3. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Transfer the pork rib tips into a slow cooker.
5. Combine 3/4 of the BBQ sauce and liquid smoke in a separate medium bowl, then pour the mixture evenly over the meat.
6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
7. Once cooked, preheat the oven’s broiler, and line a broiler pan/tray with aluminum foil.
8. Transfer the pork rib tips from the slow cooker onto the pan/tray, and baste them with the remaining BBQ sauce.
9. Broil for about 3-5 minutes per side or until the sauce caramelizes and the meat is slightly charred.
10. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious slow cooker pork rib tips!

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

• Pork ribs: you can use baby back ribs or spare ribs instead of pork rib tips.
• BBQ sauce: feel free to experiment with different brands and types of barbecue sauce to find your favorite flavor.
• Liquid smoke: substitute with smoked paprika or omit if you don’t like the smoky flavor.
• Brown sugar: you can substitute with any granulated sugar you have on hand.

Preparation and Cooking Tips

• To ensure even cooking, try to choose pork rib tips that are of similar size and thickness.
• Letting the meat rest after coating it with the rub helps the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes it more tender.
• For a richer and more authentic BBQ flavor, you can try cooking the ribs on a charcoal grill instead of using the broiler.
• If your slow cooker doesn’t have a removable insert, you can use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
• If you like your BBQ sauce to be a bit spicier, you can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• You can prepare the recipe ahead of time and store the cooked meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days before reheating and broiling.

Pairing Suggestions

• Corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, or potato salad are classic and delicious side dishes to serve with ribs.
• Coleslaw provides a perfect balance to the smoky flavor of the ribs.
• A refreshing drink like lemonade, iced tea or a cold beer is the perfect addition to any BBQ meal.

Benefits

• Pork rib tips are an excellent source of protein and vitamin B12
• Using a slow cooker to prepare the recipe is a convenient and time-saving method of cooking that allows you to socialize with your guests or tend to other tasks while your meal is cooking.
• Homemade BBQ sauce allows you to control the amount of sugar and sodium in your meal and customize the flavor to your preference.

Storage Tips and Shelf Life

• Store the leftover pork rib tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• To reheat the meat, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake until heated through.
• The cooked and broiled ribs can also be frozen for up to three months. Reheat by baking them in a 375°F oven until hot and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the broiling step?

Broiling the ribs adds a nice crust to the meat and caramelizes the sauce. If you don’t have a broiler, you can skip this step or cook them on a grill instead.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add chopped onions, peppers, or other vegetables to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I use a different meat cut?

Yes, you can use other pork rib cuts or replace it with beef short ribs if you prefer.

What’s the difference between rib tips and rib ends?

Rib tips are smaller and meatier than rib ends, which are bony and contain less meat. Rib tips are tender and juicy, while rib ends are better suited to making soups and stews.

Should ribs be covered in liquid in slow cooker?

It’s not necessary to cover ribs completely in liquid when using a slow cooker. The meat will release its own juices as it cooks and will become tender in its own steam.

Are ribs better in oven or crock pot?

Both methods yield delicious results, but the slow cooker is a more convenient method for busy weeknights as it requires less attention and effort. Slow-cooking also ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Oven-baking, however, provides a nice browned crust and a smoky flavor.

How do you keep ribs from drying out in a slow cooker?

To prevent the meat from drying out, be sure to cook it on a low setting for several hours and to use a flavorful and moist rub or sauce with the meat. Don’t overcook the ribs, and let them rest before serving for the best results.