Sweet and Sour Crockpot Ribs

Sweet and Sour Crockpot Ribs 🍯🍍

Fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor, these Sweet and Sour Crockpot Ribs are a deliciously easy way to bring takeout-inspired flavor to your dinner table—without the fuss! Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy rich, tangy, sticky ribs glazed in a mouthwatering sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever comfort food calls.

Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

3 to 4 lbs pork baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1 cup ketchup

½ cup brown sugar, packed

⅓ cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ground ginger

½ cup pineapple juice (or orange juice)

1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)

For Serving (Optional):

Sliced green onions

Sesame seeds

Pineapple chunks or slices

Steamed white rice or mashed potatoes

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Ribs:
    Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for optimal tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. Rub both sides with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. (Optional) Sear for Flavor:
    For extra depth of flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step is optional but adds great texture and richness.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ginger, and pineapple juice until smooth and well combined.
  4. Slow Cook the Ribs:
    Cut the ribs into 3–4 rib sections to fit your crockpot. Layer them in the slow cooker. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the ribs, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
  5. Cook Low and Slow:
    Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender and pull apart easily.
  6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
    If you prefer a thicker glaze, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan after the ribs are done. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Brush or spoon the thickened sauce over the ribs.
  7. Broil for Sticky Perfection (Optional):
    Preheat your broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the ribs on it. Brush them with extra sauce and broil for 3–5 minutes until caramelized and sticky. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  8. Serve and Enjoy:
    Transfer the ribs to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and pineapple chunks if desired. Serve with white rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

🍽️ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours (Low) or 4 hours (High) | Total Time: ~8 hours 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4–6

✨ These Sweet and Sour Crockpot Ribs are the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor. Sticky, savory, and perfectly tangy—these ribs will be your new fa