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Tender Bourbon Molasses BBQ Ribs Slow Cooker Recipe

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This slow cooker recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs bathed in a rich, smoky, and sweet bourbon molasses BBQ sauce. Perfect for busy nights and cozy gatherings, it combines simple ingredients with effortless cooking for delicious comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork spare ribs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (tangy, smoky brand like Stubb’s or Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim and season the ribs: Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Mix the bourbon molasses BBQ sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, bourbon, molasses, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and ground black pepper until thick but pourable.
  3. Layer ribs in the slow cooker: Cut ribs into sections that fit your slow cooker (2-3 ribs per section). Arrange ribs in a single layer, standing up or laying flat. Pour sauce over ribs, coating well.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until ribs are tender and meat pulls away from bones easily. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  5. Optional glaze step: For sticky, caramelized edges, preheat broiler. Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  6. Rest and serve: Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for more tender ribs. Use a good quality bourbon for best flavor. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. For extra sticky ribs, finish under the broiler with extra sauce. If ribs are not tender enough, cook an additional 30-60 minutes on low. Substitute baby back ribs for a leaner option and reduce cooking time by about an hour. For a family-friendly version, omit bourbon and replace with apple juice or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, bourbon ribs, molasses BBQ sauce, slow cooker ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs, easy ribs recipe, comfort food, slow cooker BBQ

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/tender-bourbon-molasses-bbq-ribs-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-perfect-fall-off-the-bone-guide/