Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Ribs
The charm of this recipe is in how simple it is. With just a few pantry basics—brown sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup—you can create a sweet-and-tangy sauce that turns ordinary pork ribs into something truly special. Once the ribs are layered in the slow cooker and smothered with that glossy sauce, all you need to do is let it cook while you take care of other things.
Hours later, the results are irresistible. The kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma, the meat becomes tender and juicy, and each bite practically falls off the bone. The sauce hits the perfect sweet-and-sour balance, making this a comforting, crave-worthy dish.
Serve these ribs with steamed rice and roasted vegetables, and they quickly become the centerpiece of a meal everyone goes back for seconds. Hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor, this is the kind of dinner that brings the whole family together.
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Water | ⅓ cup |
| Distilled white vinegar | ½ cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Tomato ketchup | ¼ cup |
| Ground ginger | ½ tsp |
| Garlic powder | ¼ tsp |
| Pork spareribs | 3 lbs |
Instructions
- Make the sauce:
In a saucepan, whisk together the flour and brown sugar. Add water, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil. - Prepare the ribs:
Place the spareribs in the slow cooker in an even layer. Pour the sauce over the ribs, making sure each piece is well coated. - Cook low and slow:
Cover and cook on low for 10–12 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone. - Serve:
Pair with rice, roasted veggies, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Add more vinegar for extra tang or more brown sugar for added sweetness.
- Cut ribs into smaller portions for easier serving.
- Make ahead: prepare the sauce the night before and refrigerate; assemble in the morning.
- Double the sauce for extra flavor—it’s delicious poured over rice or mashed potatoes.
