Sweet and Spicy Ribs

It only took me ten years to discover that the fastest way to my husband’s heart is simply to cook more MEAT! Over the past year, I’ve been working on developing more quick & easy freezer friendly recipes for my family, I’ve never seen him quite so enthusiastic about dinnertime  While it was a little intimidating at first, as a life-long vegetarian, to start cooking meat, I have to admit that I’ve been having a lot of fun coming up with new ideas. I am also pretty psyched about being able to maintain a whole freezer full of meals that my family absolutely loves!

These super easy sweet and spicy ribs take just minutes to prep before throwing them in the freezer (or directly into the crockpot if not planning to freeze them ahead of time.)  The liquid smoke is optional but it does add a nice dose of smokey flavor & is highly recommended. You can find it in the grocery store next to the barbecue sauce!

Here is what you need:

Step 1:  Rub meat with  season salt and  cayenne pepper.

Step 2: In medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic , red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce and liquid smoke until smooth.

Step 3: Divide meat into two gallon-size Ziploc bags. (Be sure to label bags before using!)Divide sauce in half and pour over meat; freeze until needed.

Step 4: Thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours; pour contents into slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5-8 hours. If you don’t have time to thaw them ahead of time, you can throw them in the crockpot frozen, just be sure to cook them a little longer–5-8 hours instead of 4-6. Once cooked, remove from crock pot and toss with your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve with coleslaw and hot sauce for an added kick.

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Sweet and Spicy Ribs

These slow-cooker freezer friendly ribs melt in your mouth and are sure to be a new family favorite!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Sweet & Spicy Ribs

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Author Ruth Soukup

Ingredients

• 6-8 pounds pork ribs
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce more or less to taste!
• 1 large garlic clove minced
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon  liquid smoke optional
• Barbecue sauce optional, cooking day only

Instructions

1. Rub meat with season salt and cayenne pepper.
2. In medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic , red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce and liquid smoke until smooth.
3. Divide meat into two gallon-size Ziploc bags. (Be sure to label bags before using!) Divide sauce in half and pour over meat; freeze until needed.
4. Thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours; pour contents into slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.   If you don't have time to thaw them ahead of time, you can throw them in the crockpot frozen, just be sure to cook them a little longer--5-7 hours instead of 4-6. Once cooked, remove from crock pot and toss with your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve with coleslaw and hot sauce for an added kick.