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Crockpot Honey Garlic Spare Ribs 1

Crockpot Honey Garlic Spare Ribs

These Crockpot Honey Garlic Spare Ribs are sweet, sticky, tender, and utterly irresistible. A simple spice rub and soy-honey-garlic marinade yield fall-apart ribs straight from your slow cooker that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of slow cooking and the rich, umami-packed glaze creates a dish that's both effortless and impressive – perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Sauce Reduction Time 10 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 465 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs

  • 3-4 pounds pork spare ribs membrane removed
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder optional but recommended

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ½ cup honey local honey works beautifully
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce substitute coconut aminos for gluten-free option
  • 8 cloves garlic minced (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar apple cider vinegar works in a pinch
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening later
  • 2 tablespoons water for cornstarch slurry

For Garnish

  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • fresh cilantro leaves optional

Instructions
 

  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel for better grip. Cut the rack into segments of 3-4 ribs each to fit comfortably in your crockpot.
  • In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and five-spice powder. Massage this dry rub thoroughly into both sides of the ribs, ensuring every inch is seasoned.
  • Whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, tomato paste, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until well combined.
  • Place the seasoned ribs in your crockpot, standing them along the sides with the meatier portions pointing down for even cooking. Pour approximately ⅔ of the honey garlic sauce over the ribs, reserving ⅓ for later.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The ribs are ready when the meat is tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork but still holds to the bone.
  • Transfer the reserved sauce and about ½ cup of the cooking liquid to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then whisk into the simmering sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
  • Carefully transfer the tender ribs to a serving platter or baking sheet. Brush generously with the thickened glaze. For caramelized edges, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro before serving.

Notes

For deeper flavor, complete the seasoning step the night before and refrigerate the seasoned ribs overnight.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this can extend cooking time by 20-30 minutes each time.
You can substitute pork loin back ribs (baby back ribs) which contain less fat than spare ribs and cook slightly faster.

Nutrition

Calories: 465kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 28gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 890mgPotassium: 452mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 19gVitamin C: 2mgIron: 8mg
Keyword Slow Cooker Ribs, Honey Garlic Ribs, Crockpot Ribs, Spare Ribs
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