Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs

These Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a perfectly balanced, sticky glaze. With juicy pineapple and crisp bell peppers, this effortless meal delivers classic takeout flavor right from your slow cooker.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on Low
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Ribs & Vegetables:

• 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or country-style)

• Salt and black pepper

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

• 1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Serving (Optional):

• Sliced green onions

• Sesame seeds

• Steamed rice

Instructions

1. Season and Layer the Ribs:
Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the bottom of your crock pot.

2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth.

3. Assemble in the Crock Pot:
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the ribs. Scatter the pineapple chunks, sliced bell pepper, and chopped onion on top.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are extremely tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• Carefully remove the ribs and vegetables from the crock pot and transfer to a serving platter.

• Pour the remaining liquid from the crock pot into a saucepan. Skim off any excess fat from the surface.

• Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens to a glaze-like consistency.

6. Glaze and Serve:
Brush the thickened glaze generously over the ribs. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

🌟 Success Tips & Variations

• For the Best Flavor: Briefly sear the seasoned ribs in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the crock pot. This adds a deeper, caramelized flavor.

• Make it Spicy: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.

• Different Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of the brown sugar for a similar sweetness.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ribs with 1-inch cubes of extra-firm tofu or seitan. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours to prevent them from becoming too soft.

• Time-Saver Tip: If you're short on time, you can skip reducing the sauce. Simply use a slotted spoon to serve the ribs and vegetables, and drizzle with a little of the strained cooking liquid.