5-Ingredient Crockpot Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender!

These 5Ingredient Crockpot Ribs deliver tender, falloffthebone meat infused with sweet and savory flavors that make every meal feel special. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich glaze that caramelizes slowly as it cooks, perfect for a comforting and easy dinner that requires minimal effort. Just mix, rub, and set your slow cooker then come back to a delicious dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

This recipe became a go to for me after a hectic week when I wanted dinner without standing over the stove. Now it’s a family favorite that everyone looks forward to.

Ingredients

• Baby back ribs: the ideal cut for tender, juicy meat that pulls away easily from the bone
• Garlic cloves: provide a fragrant, garlicky punch that enhances the marinade
• Dark soy sauce: offers depth and saltiness choose a good quality brand for richer flavor
• Sweet soy sauce: adds a touch of sweetness and thicker texture, balancing the salt with mellow notes
• Raw honey: natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking, creating a sticky glaze
• Onion powder: adds subtle savory background flavor that layers complexity
• Paprika powder: smoky warmth giving the ribs a hint of earthiness
• Cumin: a warm, nutty spice that complements the sweet and savory profile perfectly

Instructions

Spice rub:

Spoon the spice rub over the ribs and massage thoroughly to cover all surfaces. This dry rub is key for enhancing aroma and flavor

Make the marinade:

Mince the garlic cloves finely then whisk with the dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and honey until smoothly combined for an even coating

Prep the ribs:

Cut the rack of ribs in half so they fit neatly in your slow cooker; arrange them snugly without overlapping too densely for even cooking

Coat and reserve:

Pour most of the marinade over the ribs, coating well. Reserve a few tablespoons to brush on later — this keeps the ribs moist and glossy

Cook:

Set the slow cooker to low and cook ribs for 7 to 8 hours or choose high for a faster 4 to 5 hour option depending on your schedule

Baste and check:

Check hourly and brush the ribs with the reserved marinade to lock in moisture and intensify flavor, ensuring a tender final result

My favorite ingredient here has to be the raw honey. It transforms during the slow cooking process into this sticky, luscious glaze that makes the ribs taste like they were slow smoked for hours. A treasured memory is when my family gathered around the table passing plates, everyone grinning with sticky fingers and happy full bellies.

Storage tips

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat gently, wrap in foil and warm in a 300 degree oven to preserve moisture. You can also microwave covered but watch out for dryness.

Ingredient substitutions

If sweet soy sauce is unavailable use all dark soy sauce plus a tablespoon of brown sugar to add sweetness. For honey alternatives, maple syrup works but may change the flavor slightly. Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder in a pinch.

Serving suggestions

Serve ribs alongside classic coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or grilled corn on the cob to complement the rich flavor. Pickled vegetables or a crisp salad provide a fresh counterpoint to the sweet glaze.

Let the ribs rest a few minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute. They pair beautifully with simple sides for an easy crowd pleasing meal.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How long should I cook the ribs in a crockpot?

Cook ribs on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.

→ What spices are used to season the ribs?

A dry rub of onion powder, paprika, and cumin is applied before cooking to add warmth and depth of flavor.

→ Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, mixing the honey, soy sauces, and garlic in advance allows the flavors to meld before brushing on the ribs.

→ How often should I baste the ribs during cooking?

Brushing the ribs every hour with reserved marinade keeps them moist and enhances the glaze for a rich finish.

→ What types of soy sauce are used in the glaze?

Both dark soy sauce and sweet soy sauce are combined to create a balanced sweet and savory coating.

→ Is it necessary to cut the ribs before cooking?

Cutting ribs in half helps them fit better in the slow cooker and ensures even cooking.