If you haven’t tried riblets in a crock pot, now is the time! This is an affordable, delicious barbecue meal that practically cooks itself.
These tasty riblets are super simple to make and the taste is phenomenal. This recipe is great for backyard gatherings or even for a quick weeknight meal.
Table of Contents
What are Riblets
Riblets are the trimmed pieces from the end of a rack of pork ribs. They are smaller bones with more soft cartilage. They are also much more affordable than the rack itself and they are loaded with flavor.
How to Cook Riblets
You can cook riblets the same way you cook ribs. You can slow cook them, grill them, smoke them, or even bake them. If you have the time, slow cooking will give the most tender result. You can slow cook riblets in a crock pot on a low setting for 6 to 8 hours for best results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- riblets
- paprika
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- barbecue sauce (optional, but highly recommended)
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Cook Riblets in the Crockpot
- Combine the ingredients for the dry rub in a small bowl. Coat riblets generously with the rub.
- Place the riblets in a crock pot and top with 1-1/2 cups barbecue sauce. Set the remaining 1/2 cup aside for the end.
- Cook the riblets on a low setting for 8 to 10 hours. The more racks you have, the longer they will need to cook.
- Remove the meat from the crock pot and lay it down flat on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover with the remaining barbecue sauce.
- Place the tray in the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to caramelize and bubble. You may also wrap the meat in aluminum foil and place it on the grill instead.
What to Serve With Riblets
Here are some of the best side dishes to serve alongside your tender riblets:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cornbread
- Macaroni and cheese
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Finish My Crockpot Riblets on the Grill?
Yes. For the added BBQ char-grilled taste, you can toss your tender ribs on the grill for a minute on each side at 400°F. Grill another minute on each side as a 90-degree angle to create crosshatch grill marks.
Baste with a fresh coat of tangy barbecue sauce and allow it to caramelize. It’s the perfect finishing touch.
Can I Use a Store Bought BBQ Sauce?
Your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce is just fine, but a thinner homemade sauce is easy to make, too. It thickens as the riblets tenderize and gives the meal a little extra kick.
Riblets in the Crockpot Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound riblets see note
- 1 tablespoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce optional, but highly recommended
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients for the dry rub in a small bowl. Coat riblets generously with the rub.
- Place the riblets in a crock pot and top with 1-1/2 cups barbecue sauce. Set the remaining 1/2 cup aside for the end.
- Cook the riblets on a low setting for 8 to 10 hours. The more racks you have, the longer they will need to cook.
- Remove the meat from the crock pot and lay it down flat on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover with the remaining barbecue sauce.
- Place the tray in the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to caramelize and bubble. You may also wrap the meat in aluminum foil and place it on the grill instead.
Notes
- Ask a local butcher to preserve riblets for you. They will offer you either rib tips or scraps from the underside of the meat. Both will work.
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