Slow-Cooker Sticky Asian Ribs – Recipe!

Slow-Cooker’s are a lifesaver during the week when you want a delicious meal after a long day.  These Slow-Cooker Sticky Asian Ribs are simple to pop into the pot and cook for a few hours while you work, and then finish them off under the broiler, when you’re almost ready to eat.

Pork Spare Ribs are the cut of choice for this recipe because they yield a tender piece of meat after a visit in the slow-cooker.  A quick dry rub from pantry ingredients spread over both sides of the ribs and you’re off to the races with this dish.  I prefer to cook pork spare ribs on high for 4 hours, that way the meat still clings to the bone, and you can use your fingers to enjoy them.  Cooking them longer than that will create a softer rib that might require a knife and fork, which isn’t always a bad thing.

The sauce is cooked in a saucepan on the stove top until a thick glistening syrupy consistency.  After the ribs are done cooking — slather the ribs a couple of times in stages before going under the broiler, that way you get a sticky crispy texture that’s completely mouthwatering.  I like to slice them up and serve them on a board and eat them family style — it’s just more fun that way.

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Ingredients

Ribs

2 pounds pork spare ribs

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon five spice powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 green onion, sliced

Sticky Asian Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoons ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes

(Serves 2 Mains or 4 Appetizers)

To Prepare:

1. Remove ribs from packaging.  Flip ribs over and peel silver skin from back side of ribs (see video).
2. Place brown sugar, salt, five spice powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne in a small bowl, stir.
3. Sprinkle dry rub on both sides and press it into ribs.  Place ribs in slow-cooker and cook on high for 4 hours.
4. Preheat broiler when ribs are done.  Place Sticky Asian Sauce ingredients in saucepan over medium heat and stir.
5. Cook until reduced and thickened, about 4 minutes.  Place ribs on sheet pan covered with foil (easier clean up).
6. Brush ribs on top side with sauce.  Place under broiler for 2 minutes.  Remove and brush again with remaining sauce.
7. Broil once again for 1-2 minutes or until darkened with sticky edges.  Remove and place on board.  Slice ribs between bones.
8. Sprinkle with green onions and serve.  Enjoy!