Crockpot Riblets Recipe
These crockpot riblets are slow cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender, then coated in a sticky barbecue sauce for the perfect balance of smoky, sweet flavor. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers juicy pork riblets that are perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or weekend comfort food.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These crockpot riblets are an easy way to make tender, flavorful pork riblets without standing over a grill or smoker. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the riblets to slowly cook in a seasoned broth before being finished with barbecue sauce for a sticky, smoky finish. Perfect for family dinners, game day spreads, or whenever you’re craving barbecue without the hassle.
Recipe Highlights
What are pork riblets
Pork riblets are smaller portions cut from larger rib sections, most commonly spare ribs. They contain a combination of meat, bone, and cartilage that becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
For this recipe, I used pork rib tips, which are one of the most affordable and flavorful riblet options. However, baby back ribs, spare ribs, or St. Louis-style ribs can also be used. If using larger rib sections, simply cut them into smaller individual pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.
Why crockpot riblets work so well
Pork riblets are one of the best cuts for slow cooking because the low heat gives the connective tissue time to break down, creating a tender texture that would be difficult to achieve with faster cooking methods. The cooking liquid also helps keep the riblets juicy while adding flavor throughout the cooking process.
Ingredient tips
- Pork riblets: Pork riblets are the star of this recipe. Rib tips are what I used because they’re affordable, flavorful, and become incredibly tender in the slow cooker. Spare ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or baby back ribs can also be used if cut into smaller portions.
- Chicken broth: The chicken broth helps keep the riblets moist during the slow cooking process while creating a flavorful cooking liquid. It also helps distribute the seasoning throughout the riblets as they cook.
- Liquid smoke: Liquid smoke adds a subtle smoky flavor that helps recreate the taste of slow-smoked barbecue without needing a smoker. A little goes a long way, so avoid adding extra.
- Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce because it will heavily influence the final flavor. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy sauces all work well depending on your preference.
- Seasoning blend: The seasoning blend builds flavor before the riblets ever hit the slow cooker. Make sure to season the riblets generously since some seasoning will naturally blend into the cooking liquid.
Chef’s Tips
How To Make Crockpot Riblets
These crockpot riblets cook low and slow until tender before being finished with barbecue sauce in the oven. The combination of slow cooking and oven finishing creates juicy riblets with a sticky, caramelized barbecue glaze.
- First, mix all the ingredients for the seasoning mix together. Remove the ribs from the package and pat them dry if needed. Season the riblets generously on all sides. The rub is good for up to 3 pounds of ribs.
- Now, measure out the chicken broth then mix the liquid smoke in with the chicken broth.
- Next, arrange the riblets in the crockpot so that they all fit, you can crowd them if you need to but try not to stack them. Then, pour the chicken broth and liquid smoke mix over all the riblets.
- The liquid should come just below the tops of the riblets, allowing most of the meat to stay submerged during cooking. This is why I said do not stack them.
- Cook on HIGH for about 2½ hours, or until the riblets reach an internal temperature of 190–200°F and are fork tender. If cooking on LOW, begin checking for doneness around the 4–5 hour mark.
- Place in a preheated oven to 275F for 30 minutes. You will flip the ribs at 15 minutes and baste the other side with BBQ sauce. Once they are done and sticky they are ready to serve. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are pork riblets?
Pork riblets are smaller portions cut from larger rib sections, most commonly spare ribs. They contain a mix of meat, bone, and cartilage that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
Can riblets be overcooked in a slow cooker?
Yes. While riblets benefit from slow cooking, they can eventually become too soft and fall apart. The goal is tender riblets that hold together well enough to be removed, sauced, and finished in the oven.
How do I know when crockpot riblets are done?
The riblets should be fork tender and reach an internal temperature of about 190–200°F. At this point the connective tissue has broken down, creating the tender texture that makes slow-cooked riblets so enjoyable.
Can I cook riblets on low instead of high?
Yes. Riblets can be cooked on LOW for about 4–5 hours instead of HIGH for 2½ hours. Because slow cookers vary, begin checking for tenderness near the end of the cooking time.
Can I make crockpot riblets without liquid smoke?
Yes. The liquid smoke adds a subtle smoky barbecue flavor, but the recipe will still work without it. If omitted, the riblets will have a more traditional slow-cooked pork flavor rather than a smoked barbecue taste.
Can I use baby back ribs instead of riblets?
Yes. Baby back ribs, spare ribs, and St. Louis-style ribs can all be used for this recipe. Simply cut larger racks into smaller portions so they fit comfortably in the slow cooker.
What To Serve with Crockpot Riblets
Crockpot riblets pair well with classic barbecue side dishes and comfort food favorites. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, game day gathering, or backyard cookout, these sides help round out the meal.
More riblet recipes
If you enjoy these crockpot riblets, try these other riblet recipes for more barbecue-inspired meals and cooking methods.
Crockpot Riblets Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds pork riblets rib tips were used in photos
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- barbecue sauce of choice
Seasoning Rub
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- First, mix all the ingredient for the seasoning mix together. Remove the ribs from the package and pat them dry if needed. Season all the ribs heavy. The rub is good for up to 3 pounds of ribs.
- Now, measure out the chicken broth then mix the liquid smoke in with the chicken broth.
- Next, arrange the riblets in the crockpot so that they all fit, you can crowd them if you need to but try not to stack them. Then, pour the chicken broth and liquid smoke mix over all the riblets. The seasoning will come off some of the ribs but this is ok.
- The liquid should fill up where just the tops of the riblets are out. This is why I said do not stack them.
- Cook on high for 2.5 hours. If you have a temperature probe the ribs should read 190-200F. Remove the ribs from the crockpot and baste them with barbecue sauce. If wanting to cook on low I would check the ribs around the 4-5 hour mark.
- Place in a preheated oven to 275F for 30 minutes. You will flip the ribs at 15 minutes and baste the other side with bbq. Once they are done and sticky they are ready to serve. Enjoy!
Yum Yum
You always come through with the best recipes!
Wish I could reach through the screen!