Slow Cooker Chinese Spare Ribs Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
593 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Chinese Spare Ribs Recipe
Description
The Slow Cooker Chinese Spare Ribs Recipe centers on St. Louis-style ribs simmered gently in a marinade combining soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Slow cooking tenderizes the ribs and allows the flavors to meld deeply. After cooking, the ribs are basted with a thickened sticky glaze made from the cooking liquid and broiled briefly to develop a caramelized surface that enhances the taste and texture.
The taste balances sweetness from honey and brown sugar with the savory notes of soy and hoisin, offset by the warm spice blend and mild heat from red pepper flakes. The ribs come out tender and richly coated with a sticky glaze that offers a layered flavor experience.
This dish is well suited for serving with steamed rice or simple vegetables as sides, which help complement the savory-sweet ribs without overwhelming their flavor. Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions adds a fresh visual and slight crunch contrast.
For best results, use St. Louis-style ribs for leaner meat, cook on low for six hours or on high for a shorter duration as a time-saving alternative. Red food coloring is optional if a bright red color typical of restaurant versions is desired. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to taste.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds spare ribs one rack of ribs, St. Louis style
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring optional
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix soy sauce, honey, hoisin, five spice blend, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, red food coloring (optional).
- Cut the ribs between the bones, every 2 bones.
- Place ribs and marinade in an 8-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove ribs and place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Stir the cornstarch into the slow cooker. Turn it to high and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sticky glaze.
- Baste the ribs all over with the marinade from the slow cooker.
- Place under the broiler for 5-6 minutes or until caramelized.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Choose St. Louis-style ribs for a balance of meatiness and fat.
- Cooking on high for 4 hours is a good shortcut if short on time.
- Increase red pepper flakes to make the ribs spicier if preferred.
- Adding red food coloring replicates the classic restaurant red color but is optional.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 593 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 593kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 127mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 925mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 483mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 31g | 62% |
| Vitamin A | 103IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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