Irresistible Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs Recipe

Recipe By:
Ruth
Updated:

Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs are the tantalizing superheroes of comfort food. Picture this: tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in a sweet and spicy sauce that sends your taste buds on an unforgettable rollercoaster ride. As you take a bite, the smoky aroma dances through the air, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds (or thirds).

I remember the first time I made these ribs; it was a rainy Saturday, and I was in desperate need of some culinary therapy. The slow cooker hummed away as I kicked back with a cozy blanket, dreaming of the feast to come. Perfect for game days or family gatherings, these honey buffalo ribs promise a flavor explosion that will have everyone talking long after the last rib is devoured.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This delightful dish requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • The balance of sweet and spicy flavors will keep your taste buds dancing
  • The glossy glaze makes these ribs visually stunning and an instant crowd-pleaser
  • They’re versatile enough to serve at picnics or as a cozy family dinner

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pork Ribs: Choose baby back ribs for tenderness or spare ribs for more meat; both work beautifully in this recipe.

  • Honey: Opt for local honey if possible; it adds a unique sweetness and supports local beekeepers.

  • Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade version for that fiery kick—adjust spice levels to suit your taste.

  • Garlic Powder: A must-have for enhancing flavor; choose fresh garlic if you want an extra punch.

  • Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper elevates the taste with its aromatic heat—don’t skip it!

For the Garnish:

  • Chopped Green Onions: These add a pop of color and freshness when sprinkled on top just before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs

Prepare Your Ribs

Begin by patting the pork ribs dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve that irresistible glaze later on. Trim any excess fat for a cleaner bite.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine honey, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth, allowing the flavors to blend together like old friends at a reunion.

Coat the Ribs

Place the ribs in your slow cooker and pour half of your sauce mixture over them. Make sure each rib gets coated to ensure maximum flavor absorption during cooking.

Slow Cook

Set your slow cooker on low for about six hours or high for three hours. Your kitchen will fill with mouthwatering aromas as the meat becomes tender and infused with flavor.

Baste with Sauce

Halfway through cooking, flip the ribs carefully using tongs and baste with more sauce. This ensures every inch gets that sweet-spicy goodness while keeping them moist.

Final Touches

Once done cooking, remove the ribs and let them rest briefly before serving. This allows juices to redistribute—trust me; you don’t want dry ribs!

Serve & Enjoy

Slice between the bones to separate individual ribs and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with remaining sauce and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a splash of color.

Dig In!

Gather friends or family around the table and enjoy those sticky fingers as you savor every bite of these Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs! Don’t forget napkins—things might get messy but oh-so-worth-it!

You Must Know

  • Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs are a game-changer for any gathering
  • They are tender, sticky, and packed with flavor
  • The best part?
  • You can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you enjoy your day

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the ribs in a hot pan before placing them in the slow cooker. This step locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust. While they cook low and slow, prepare your sides for a complete meal experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also add garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick. Don’t hesitate to toss in some chopped veggies for added nutrition and flavor!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to retain moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfectly tender Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs, make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker; this ensures even cooking
  • Always use bone-in ribs for more flavor and tenderness
  • Lastly, let the ribs rest after cooking before serving to enhance juiciness

Slowly but surely, I discovered that my family would go through these Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs faster than I could say “delicious.” It became our go-to dish for any occasion!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs?

To prepare Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs, gather the following ingredients: pork ribs, honey, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra flavor if desired. These ingredients work together to create a sweet and spicy glaze that will make your ribs irresistible. Ensure you have enough honey and buffalo sauce to coat the ribs thoroughly for maximum flavor.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs?

Cooking Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs typically takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. The long cooking time allows the ribs to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce. For best results, check for tenderness after the indicated time. If they are not falling off the bone, continue cooking until they reach your desired texture.

Can I use other types of ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of ribs for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs. While pork spare ribs are commonly used due to their rich flavor, beef ribs or baby back ribs work equally well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger cuts or tougher meat. The key is ensuring the meat becomes tender and fully absorbs the honey-buffalo glaze during cooking.

How can I achieve crispy skin on Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs?

To achieve crispy skin on your Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs, finish them under the broiler after they are done cooking. First, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush some extra buffalo sauce on top and broil for about 5-10 minutes until caramelized and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning; this extra step adds delicious texture!

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs:

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs are a fantastic dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors effortlessly. With simple ingredients like honey and buffalo sauce, you can create a mouthwatering meal that pleases any crowd. Cooking them in a slow cooker allows the meat to become incredibly tender while infusing it with delicious flavors. Try this recipe at your next gathering for a guaranteed hit!

Print

Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs

Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Ribs are a crowd-pleasing delight that combines sweet and spicy flavors for an unforgettable meal. These tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are coated in a sticky honey buffalo sauce, making them perfect for game days or family gatherings. With minimal effort required, set your slow cooker and let the magic happen while you anticipate a flavor-packed feast.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • For garnish: 2 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Pat pork ribs dry and trim excess fat.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour half of the sauce over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
  4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Flip halfway through and baste with remaining sauce.
  5. Once cooked, let ribs rest briefly, then slice between the bones and serve with additional sauce and green onions on top.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 6 oz (170g)
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 897mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 73mg

Keywords: For added flavor, sear the ribs in a hot pan before slow cooking to lock in juices. Substitute honey with maple syrup for a unique twist. Feel free to add chopped vegetables into the slow cooker for extra nutrition.

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