Sweet and Sour Sticky Ribs
Serves 2
Cooking Time 3 to 6 hours on Low
Slow Cooker Size 3½ to 7 Quarts
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS: Chinese-style sweet and sour ribs are a bar and party favorite, but we wanted to
scale this irresistible dish down for two. Leaving the membrane attached to the underside
of our baby back ribs helped the rack hold together as it cooked and, as a bonus,
shortened our prep time. Rubbing the ribs with a mixture of granulated garlic and
ground ginger infused them with flavor. Once the ribs were tender, we brushed them
with a tangy sauce and broiled them to develop a caramelized, lightly charred exterior.
Avoid racks of baby back ribs that are larger than 2 pounds; they will be difficult
to maneuver into the slow cooker. See the sidebar that follows the recipe.
|
1½ |
teaspoons granulated garlic |
|
1 |
teaspoon ground ginger |
|
|
Salt and pepper |
|
1 |
(1½- to 2-pound) rack |
|
⅓ |
cup apricot preserves |
|
2 |
tablespoons ketchup |
|
2 |
tablespoons soy sauce |
|
2 |
tablespoons rice vinegar |
|
1 |
tablespoon minced fresh cilantro |
1. Mix garlic, ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper together in bowl and rub evenly over ribs.
2A. FOR A 3½- TO 4½-QUART SLOW COOKER: Lightly spray inside of slow cooker with vegetable oil spray. Arrange ribs along bottom and sides of prepared slow cooker, meaty side facing down. Cover and cook until ribs are tender, 5 to 6 hours on low.
2B. FOR A 5- TO 7-QUART SLOW COOKER: Lightly spray inside of slow cooker with vegetable oil spray. Arrange ribs along bottom and sides of prepared slow cooker, meaty side facing down. Cover and cook until ribs are tender, 3 to 4 hours on low.
3. Adjust oven rack 10 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Place wire rack in aluminum foil–lined rimmed baking sheet; spray with vegetable oil spray. Whisk preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar together. Transfer ribs, meaty side up, to sheet. Brush ribs with sauce, then broil until browned and sticky, 10 to 15 minutes, flipping and brushing with additional sauce every few minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with remaining sauce.