Out of all of the many names for cooking utensils I think my absolute least favorite is the name crock pot. It has such flaccid ring to it that goes off like a limp whoopee cushion when ever someone says it, to me that is. I really prefer to call it a slow cooker, which doesn’t sound elegant or anything like that but at least it doesn’t have any unfavorable ring to it like crock pot does. Forgive me if I offended anyone by “slandering” crock pots name, it’s just my opinion.
Even with a conflict of a name, a slow cooker actually does a pretty good job in terms of dealing with tougher pieces of meats. I still prefer a braise in a braiser or Le Creuset Dutch oven, but when I have no time for that then I usually switch to a slow cooker. The idea to using the slow cooker came about in this recipe not necessarily for ease, although it is very easy, but because I wanted that tender fall apart rib that you get when you slowly smoke something. Since I don’t have a smoker then there is no reason in trying to attempt smoking something or even go for that of a smoked flavor.
That’s where my reminder of Chinese spare ribs rolled right into my mind. Well spiced, balanced, and slightly sweet. It’s basically an umami powerhouse. A lot of people actually like to barbecue their Chinese spare ribs, which is great, but this method has by far proven itself to possibly be an even more delicious method. After these beautiful ribs are browned to crisp perfection under the broiler they rest in the crockpot for 7-8 hours with a nice sauce mixture poured over it to mingle and seep into meat slowly. Yielding the most tender spare rib you will ever put on your fork. Incredibly moist, rich and succulent accompanied by bold flavors and a subtle sweetness.
I noticed after looking at the different ways that people do their Chinese spare ribs, that they marinte them. The plus side to using the crockpot her eis that it get’s it’s cooking and “marinating” done at the same time. It sits with that beautiful sauce poured over it and then seeps out some it’s own juices to mix with the sauce that gets to the bottom of the crockpot making a beautiful slurry of flavor at the bottom to spoon over your ribs. And nothing looks better than sinfully tender ribs with delicate torn pieces of meat running along where it was cut and a nice warm sauce packed full of umami.
- 4 lbs pork spare ribs
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh grated garlic
- ¼ cup dry white wine or sherry
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or tamari (I used coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- optional 2 teaspoons of honey (I actually do not to add the honey because in my opinion the tomato paste that I added seems to add a nice subtle sweetness that fits my tastes a little better but it depends on the person, just taste your sauce and see if you want it.)
- In an oven make sure an oven rack is 4-6 inches away from heating element and preheat broiler on high.
- Line a medium baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on it and place spare ribs on it fat cap side up.
- In a measuring cup or small bowl add Chinese five spice, grated ginger, grated garlic, white wine or sherry, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos or tamari, tomato paste and lemon juice and optional honey if using and stir until thoroughly combined and place to the side.
- Once broiler is hot place ribs under broiler and brown both sides until nicely browned and crispy. 4-6 minutes each side.
- Place ribs on sides in slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture you place on the side earlier all over the ribs. (It's okay if it runs down the ribs and into the bottom of the slow cooker, in fact that's a good thing.)
- Place lid on slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
Was that cauliflower rice ?
Yes it’s cauliflower rice.
YUM! I will be making these very soon! They sound divine!
Wow Josh, these look great! I’d love to use my slow cooker more, but I find that whenever I cook in it, the food has excellent texture but no flavor. I too prefer my Le Creuset dutch oven…dishes just taste better. Do you have any tips for adding more flavor?
Well in terms of adding flavor to a dish one thing to remember that is something is that it should usually have some color to it. Color is flavor. WIth that said a lot of time browning your meat prior to putting it into the slow cooker makes a huge difference. Which is exactly why these are browned under the broiler first before I put them in the slow cooker. Let me know how it goes if you decide to tackle these.
Just added spare ribs to my next grocery list and this recipe to my bookmarks bar. 🙂
Looks delicious, and if I remove the tomato paste & add the optional honey, it’s allowed on the autoimmune protocol. Woohoo! Thank you.
Don’t remove the tomato paste even if you add the honey. THe tomato paste is also there for a specific fruity flavor that it adds. Let me know how it goes!
I have an actual slow-cooker with a metal pan (actually it has 2 metal pans of differing sizes) that you can brown meats in on the stovetop. Then the entire pan goes onto a base and slow cooks the food with several temperature options. No crock!
I am going to make these ribs, they look delicious! Thanks.
Wow, I didn’t even know that existed. Thanks for the info Karen, I’m going to look more into that! Let me know how they go by the way and send pics if you like!
If I were to use a dutch oven, would it be better to place it on the stove or in the oven and at what temperature would you suggest?
To be honest Carter it could very well work but I’m not certain. It could totally change the way this recipe works and I wouldn’t be able to vouch for the recipe any more but I suppose I would suggest 2 1/2-3 hours at 325 degrees fahrenheit if you want to try it and let me know how it goes.
I made these spare ribs over the weekend. Wow! Amazing! Delicious! I put the ribs on the grill until both sides were browned, then cut into chunks to fit my crockpot. I brushed sauce onto each layer, and cooked on high for 3 hours (instead of the longer cooking on low).
I just picked up some short ribs to cook my husband for dinner on Father’s Day. I am currenlty doing a sugar detox and would LOVE to enjoy these without using wine. What would be a suitable substitute? Thanks!!
You can substitute chicken stock and just add another teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
Thank you! I’m getting it all ready for the crock pot now. Looking forward to eating it tonight!!
Just made these today and they were incredibly delicious and soooo easy to make! The meat fell right off the bone and the flavor was wonderful. I knew they would taste good based on the aroma that filled my house all day. I’m definitely putting this in the dinner rotation and can’t wait to make them again. I can’t wait to try more of your recipes. Maybe the braised short ribs . . .
I’ve been looking forever for a slow braised pork ribs recipe that I can put on top of ramen. I would like to try yours but I’m confused. You mention slow cooker, broiler, oven. Are these different appliances or are you referring to all of them as the ‘crock pot’.
I’m sorry for the confusion. I’m not a cook, but am trying my best. Thank you so much.
i wish I could give this recipe 10 stars! This was amazing! It will definitely be making a weekly appearance on our dinner menu. Accompanied by http://grokgrub.com/2013/10/26/asian-noodle-salad/. ????