RecipesCollectionsAbout
Jump to recipe
Tender fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with dark spice rub on a white plate, glistening and ready to serve
Dinner

Fall-Off-The-Bone Pork Ribs

It took me some time to come up with a perfect combination of techniques and spices for this recipe, but finally here we are! These are so flavourful and so tender. They are made in a crockpot. You can finish them in the oven or on the grill for those perfect grill marks.

Tap to rate this recipe

5.0 (4)
Prep
15 min
slowCook
8hr
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min
Serves
6
Style
🍽 Mid-Range
Originally Published February 2023Last Updated March 2023

🍳 Needed Gear

chef knifecutting boardinstant potmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsmixing bowltongs

Ingredients

Servings:
6
  • 1 1/2 tsp (8 g) kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) dark brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp (3 g) paprika
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
  • 1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp (4 g) chili powder
  • 2 tsp (5 g) ancho chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) cayenne (optional)
  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) ribs
  • 2/3 cup (160 ml) cola or Coke (you can use other liquid such as pineapple juice if you like)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • Barbecue sauce, to taste (approximately 1/2 to 1 cup / 120–240 ml)

Instructions

  1. Dry Rub

    1

    Combine all the rub ingredients (the first 9).

  2. 2

    Cut the ribs into portions (about 6 inches (15cm) long for each portion).

  3. 3

    Rub the rub onto the ribs well, working it into the meat.

  4. 4

    Ideally, cover the ribs and refrigerate for 6 hours or even overnight. But if you have no time, no worries—move on to the next step.

  5. Slow Cooking

    5

    Place the ribs into your crockpot.

  6. 6

    Top with onions and garlic.

  7. 7

    Pour Coke into the crockpot gently without washing the rub away.

  8. 8

    Cook on high for 4 hours. Test to see if another 4.5 hours are needed. In 4 hours, the ribs should be tender but still hold their shape.

  9. Finishing

    9

    Remove the ribs from the crockpot. Brush (or smother!) with barbecue sauce. I don't use too much, but it's up to you. Refrigerate the ribs until needed, or immediately move on to the next step. I refrigerate overnight, and this way, when I come home from work the next day, it's a very quick, satisfying dinner ready in minutes.

  10. 10

    Grill or broil the ribs to warm them and get the grill marks. If you refrigerated the ribs overnight, you might need to cook them a bit longer on medium-low or indirect heat of the barbecue. Another option is to warm the ribs covered in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Enjoy!

Questions, Comments & Compliments

Loading…
0/2000

FAQ

Can you make these ribs ahead of time?+
Yes! You can rub the ribs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, which actually helps the flavors penetrate deeper. You can also cook them completely ahead and reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes wrapped in foil.
What can I use instead of cola in this recipe?+
Pineapple juice, apple juice, or even beef broth work great as substitutes—they all add moisture and help the ribs stay tender. Just avoid using something too acidic like vinegar on its own, as it can overpower the spice rub.
How do you know when fall-off-the-bone ribs are done?+
The meat should pull away from the bones easily with minimal effort, and a fork should pierce the meat with just a little pressure. If your ribs aren't falling apart, they need more cooking time—don't rush this step.
Can I skip the 6-hour rub time and cook right away?+
You can skip the marinating step if you're short on time, though letting the rub sit does develop more flavor. If cooking immediately, just make sure to rub the spices really well into the meat so they adhere during cooking.

Keep browsing

You might also like

Looking for more? Explore the full collection — filter by lifestyle, cuisine, or dietary needs.

Explore all recipes