Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

I have a soft spot for slow cooker ribs because they are the kind of dinner that lets me be a little lazy without making dinner feel lazy. I can season the ribs, pour everything into the slow cooker, and walk away while that sweet, garlicky sauce does its thing.

These honey garlic slow cooker ribs are especially good when I want something sticky and savory without standing over a grill. The honey brings sweetness, soy sauce adds that salty depth, and the garlic gets mellow and rich after hours of cooking.

I was actually a little unsure about ribs in the slow cooker the first time I made them. I kept thinking I would miss the smoky grilled edges. But once I tasted that tender meat with the sauce spooned over the top, I stopped worrying about it.

What I Like About These Ribs

My favorite part is how little work I have to do after the ribs go into the slow cooker. I do not need a complicated marinade or a pile of extra ingredients. The seasoning is simple, but it gives the pork plenty of flavor.

I also really like the sauce. It is not just something sitting underneath the ribs that gets thrown away later. I spoon some of it over the cooked ribs right before serving, and that is where the honey garlic flavor really stands out.

One thing I learned pretty quickly is that positioning the ribs matters. I stand the ribs up in the slow cooker, with the meatier side facing the outside and the bones toward the center. It helps me fit the rack in without trying to force everything into one flat layer.

I usually cut the rack in half before it goes into the slow cooker. It makes handling the ribs easier, and I can turn them through the sauce so every part gets coated.

Ingredients I Used for the Recipe

• 2 1/2 pounds pork ribs: I use a rack of pork ribs and cut it in half so it fits comfortably in my slow cooker.
• 1 tablespoon salt: I use this to season the ribs before they cook and to bring out the flavor of the pork.
• 1 tablespoon black pepper: I like the little bit of heat and bite it gives the sweet sauce.
• 1 tablespoon paprika: I add paprika for a warm, savory flavor and a little color on the ribs.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: This gives the seasoning a mild spicy depth without making the ribs overwhelmingly hot.
• 1 cup honey: I use honey for the sticky sweetness that makes the sauce so good over the finished ribs.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce: This balances the honey with salty, savory flavor.
• 10 cloves garlic, minced: I know ten cloves sounds like a lot, but this is one place where I do not like cutting back. The garlic becomes much softer and sweeter while it cooks.

I try to have everything measured before I start because the actual prep is so quick. If I am mincing garlic while the ribs are sitting on the counter, somehow I end up making a much bigger mess than I need to.

I also prefer freshly minced garlic here. I have used jarred garlic when I was in a hurry, and the ribs were still good, but fresh garlic gives me a much fuller flavor.

How to make Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Ribs?

Step 1 – Season the Ribs

I start by patting the ribs dry if they are particularly wet. Then I mix the salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder together and rub the mixture all over the ribs.

I make sure I season both sides and the edges too. I used to sprinkle seasoning mostly on the top because I thought the sauce would handle the rest, but I like the finished ribs much better when the meat itself is seasoned well.

Step 2 – Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

I add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic directly to the slow cooker. Then I give everything a good stir. The honey can be thick, so I take an extra moment to loosen it up with the soy sauce.

I do not cook the sauce separately. That is one of the reasons I like this recipe. One less pan sitting in my sink is always a good thing in my kitchen.

Step 3 – Coat the Ribs

I place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker and turn them around in the honey garlic mixture. I want sauce touching as much of the meat as possible before I put the lid on.

After that, I stand the ribs upright. I position the meatier side against the walls of the slow cooker and keep the bone sides facing toward the center.

This part can look a little awkward at first. I have definitely rearranged the ribs a couple times before getting them to sit nicely. As long as they fit comfortably and are coated with the sauce, I do not fuss over it too much.

Step 4 – Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work

I cover the slow cooker and cook the ribs on high for about 4 hours, or on low for 7 to 8 hours. I usually choose the low setting when I have the time because it fits better with a relaxed dinner day.

I try not to keep lifting the lid while they cook. I know it is tempting to check because the smell starts getting really good, but opening the slow cooker over and over does not help me get dinner on the table any faster.

Near the end of the cooking time, I check the ribs to make sure the meat is cooked through and tender. Cooking time can vary a little depending on the ribs and the slow cooker, so I do not treat the clock as the only thing that matters.

Step 5 – Take Out the Ribs

When the ribs are tender and cooked through, I carefully transfer them to a cutting board. I use tongs and take my time because tender ribs can be much more delicate than they look.

I let them sit for a short moment before cutting. I am not trying to make them cold, just giving myself a chance to handle them without immediately tearing the meat apart.

Step 6 – Cut and Serve

I cut between the bones to separate the ribs into individual pieces. Then I arrange them on a platter and spoon some of the honey garlic sauce from the slow cooker over the top.

I like adding the sauce right before serving instead of covering everything with it too early. That way I can see the ribs, and I can always add more at the table.

The sauce is sweet, salty, garlicky, and rich from all the juices that come out while the ribs cook. I usually keep a little extra nearby because somebody always wants another spoonful.

A Few Things I Learned Along the Way

My biggest lesson with these ribs was not to overcomplicate them. The ingredient list is already doing most of the work. I used to think slow cooker ribs needed barbecue sauce, brown sugar, extra spices, and several other things to make them exciting. They really do not.

The honey and soy sauce are enough to create a strong base, while the garlic makes the sauce taste much more interesting. The paprika and chili powder also keep the flavor from becoming dessert-sweet.

I also learned to be patient when moving the ribs. When they are tender, I cannot treat them like a firm piece of roasted meat. A little care with the tongs makes a difference, especially if I want the ribs to look nice on the serving plate.

And I always taste a little sauce before serving. Sometimes I find that I want more sauce over the ribs, and sometimes the ribs already have plenty. I would rather decide at the end than drown everything at the beginning.

If I am serving these for dinner, I usually keep the sides pretty simple. The ribs already have a lot happening, so I like something fresh or starchy alongside them instead of another heavily seasoned dish.

Rice works really well for me because I can spoon some of the extra sauce over it. Mashed potatoes are another favorite, especially when I have a particularly saucy batch. I also like a simple green vegetable to break up all that richness.

Tips

• Do not skimp on the garlic. Ten cloves may sound excessive, but the flavor mellows considerably during the long cooking time.
• Season the ribs on every side. I get much better flavor when the salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder are rubbed over the whole rack.
• Cut the rack in half first. This makes it much easier for me to position the ribs properly in the slow cooker.
• Keep the meatier side toward the outside. I position the ribs upright with the meat facing the walls and the bones toward the middle.
• Try not to keep opening the lid. I know it is tempting, but I get better results when I let the slow cooker stay closed for most of the cooking time.
• Check for tenderness near the end. I use the stated cooking time as a guide, but I still check that the meat is cooked through and tender before serving.
• Handle the cooked ribs gently. Once they become very tender, rough handling can make the meat fall away before I get them onto the platter.
• Save the sauce for serving. I spoon extra honey garlic sauce over the ribs at the end, and I like having more available for anyone who wants it.

These honey garlic slow cooker ribs have become one of those meals I make when I want dinner to feel special without spending my whole afternoon cooking. I can get everything started, leave the slow cooker alone, and come back later to tender ribs and a sauce that smells like I worked much harder than I actually did.

That is probably what I like most about them. They do not need much attention, but they still feel like a proper dinner when I put that pile of sticky, tender ribs on the table. I just grab plenty of napkins and accept that things are probably going to get a little messy.

Print Recipe

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

Author: Kelsey Perez

Difficulty: Easy Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 24 hrs

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 18 Calories: 760 kcal

Best Season: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Description

These honey garlic slow cooker ribs turn tender after hours of gentle cooking with a sweet, salty, garlicky sauce. I love finishing them with extra sauce for a simple dinner that feels special without much hands-on work.

ingredients

Servings

• 2 ¹⁄₂ pounds pork ribs (Cut the rack in half so it fits comfortably in the slow cooker.)
• 1 tablespoon salt (For seasoning the ribs.)
• 1 tablespoon black pepper (For seasoning the ribs.)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (Adds warm savory flavor and color.)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (Adds mild spicy depth.)
• 1 cup honey (For the sweet, sticky sauce.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup soy sauce (Adds salty, savory depth.)
• 10 cloves garlic (Freshly minced is preferred.)

Instructions

1. Step 1 - Season the Ribs

   Pat the ribs dry if needed. Mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili powder together, then rub the seasoning evenly over both sides and the edges of the ribs.
   Seasoning all sides gives the meat more flavor after slow cooking.

2. Step 2 - Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

   Add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic directly to the slow cooker. Stir until the honey loosens into the soy sauce and the garlic is evenly distributed.
   No separate saucepan is needed.

3. Step 3 - Coat the Ribs

   Place the seasoned ribs into the slow cooker and turn them through the honey garlic mixture so the sauce coats as much of the meat as possible. Stand the ribs upright with the meatier side facing the walls and the bones toward the center.
   Rearrange the ribs as needed so they fit comfortably without forcing them into the cooker.

4. Step 4 - Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work

   Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. Keep the lid closed as much as possible. Near the end, check that the ribs are cooked through and tender.
   Cooking time can vary depending on the ribs and slow cooker, so use tenderness as the final guide.

5. Step 5 - Take Out the Ribs

   Carefully transfer the tender ribs to a cutting board using tongs. Let them rest for about 5 minutes so they are easier to handle without immediately falling apart.
   Handle the ribs gently because the meat will be very tender.

6. Step 6 - Cut and Serve

   Cut between the bones to separate the ribs. Arrange them on a platter and spoon some of the honey garlic sauce from the slow cooker over the top. Serve with extra sauce if desired.
   Rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green vegetable make easy sides.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 760 kcalkcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 42 gg65%

Saturated Fat 14 gg70%

Trans Fat 0 gg

Cholesterol 135 mgmg45%

Sodium 2110 mgmg88%

Potassium 620 mgmg18%

Total Carbohydrate 63 gg21%

Dietary Fiber 1 gg4%

Sugars 57 gg

Protein 43 gg86%

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Calcium 75 mg mg

Iron 4 mg mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Nutrition is an estimate per serving and can vary with the cut and amount of meat on the ribs, the soy sauce used, and how much sauce is consumed. For food safety, cook pork until it is cooked through; tender slow-cooked ribs may reach a higher internal temperature during the long cooking time.

Keywords: honey garlic ribs, slow cooker ribs, crockpot ribs, pork ribs, honey garlic pork ribs, easy slow cooker dinner, sticky ribs, tender ribs