Slow Cooker Cowboy Candy Country-Style Ribs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the pork ribs in a hot skillet for a minute on each side before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step adds a nice browned crust to the meat, which contributes to a more complex flavor profile in the final sauce, though it is entirely optional if you are short on time.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the ribs once they are cooked and transfer the liquid to a small saucepan.

Simmer the sauce over medium-high heat on the stovetop for 5 to 10 minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. Pour this concentrated glaze back over the ribs just before serving to give them a professional, shiny finish.

Variations

• Smoky Ribs: Add one teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture before cooking to provide a deeper, wood-fired barbecue aroma without needing a grill.
• Extra Spicy Ribs: Increase the amount of candied jalapenos by half and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a significantly higher heat level that lingers.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power until heated through, or in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the ribs are completely cooled before putting them in the container to maintain food safety. The sauce will continue to develop flavor as it sits, making the leftovers taste even better the next day when reheated gently.

You can prepare the sauce ingredients the night before and store them in a small jar in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the pre-mixed sauce over them.

This saves time during the morning rush and ensures you can get the slow cooker started with minimal effort.

Serving ideas

These ribs pair beautifully with simple, cooling side dishes that contrast with the sweet and spicy flavor of the meat.

Consider serving them alongside a crisp coleslaw, creamy potato salad, or steamed green beans to round out the meal. The acidity in a fresh slaw works particularly well to balance the richness of the pork and the honey glaze.

For a more substantial dinner, serve the ribs over a bed of fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or even alongside some warm cornbread.

These sides are excellent for soaking up the extra sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker. Garnish with a few fresh chives or extra candied jalapenos if you want an added pop of color and texture on the plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Cowboy Candy Country-Style Ribs

Prep 10 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless country-style pork rib strips
• 1/2 cup candied jalapeno slices
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Place the boneless country-style pork rib strips into the slow cooker insert, arranging them in an even layer. Add the candied jalapeno slices, minced garlic, paprika, honey, and apple cider vinegar directly over the pork.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours, or on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
3. Once the ribs are tender, ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) as measured with a food thermometer. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure juiciness.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

350 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.