Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

For Slow Cooker Sunday, this was so easy and delicious served with creamed corn and potato wedges.  I bought the baby back ribs at Trader Joe's and cut off the underneath membrane before placing in the slow cooker. 


To make ribs:

1 1/2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1 rack pork baby back ribs, trimmed
1 large sweet onion, sliced
1 bottle of your favorite root beer (I used Chicago Root Beer, see photo)
                              

                              BBQ Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil                                  
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, mined
1 cup root beer
1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray's Original BBQ Sauce)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the ribs:  In a small bowl stir together the salt, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper and chili powder.  Make sure to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.  Spread the spice mixture over the meaty side of the ribs and rub gently until coated.

Add the sliced onion and the bottle of root beer to the slow cooker and place the ribs on top.  I cut the rack into thirds.  Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.  (I cooked the ribs on low).

Preparing the sauce:  Place the oil in a saucepan.  Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.  Add the root beer and bring the mixture to a boil.  Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half.

Stir in the BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce.  Season with salt and pepper.  Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes.  Let cool slightly and then process in blender or handheld immersion blender until smooth.  (I used immersion blender) 

Final preparation:  After ribs have finished cooking, preheat the oven broiler and have rack about 4-6 inches away from heating element.  Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil.  Carefully lift the ribs from the slow cooker using a large spatula and tongs.  Place on baking sheet. 

Brush liberally with the prepared BBQ sauce and broil until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes, about 3 minutes.  Watch carefully!!!