These Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs are the perfect balance of tender, juicy meat with a rich, tangy, sweet glaze that slow-cooks to perfection. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-quality ribs right from your slow cooker. The long, low cooking time ensures the meat becomes incredibly soft and infused with every layer of flavor.
Ingredients
(You can replace or add ingredients if needed.)
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3–4 pounds pork ribs
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1 cup ketchup
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½ cup brown sugar
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⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: pineapple chunks, red bell peppers, chili flakes
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Busy cooks who want a hands-off meal
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Families looking for a kid-friendly dish full of flavor
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Anyone who loves tender, fall-apart slow cooker meats
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People who enjoy sweet and tangy Asian-inspired sauces
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Beginners who want a foolproof crock pot recipe
If you love comfort food and convenience, this dish is for you.
Why It’s Great
✨ Effortless Cooking — Just mix the sauce, pour it over ribs, and let the crock pot do the work.
✨ Perfect Texture — Slow cooking produces melt-in-your-mouth ribs.
✨ Delicious Balance of Flavors — Sweet, tangy, savory, slightly smoky.
✨ Budget-Friendly — Pork ribs are an affordable cut packed with flavor.
✨ Versatile — Add pineapple, peppers, or spice to customize.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You only need a few basic tools:
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Crock pot / slow cooker
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Mixing bowl
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Measuring cups & spoons
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Tongs
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Knife & cutting board
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Aluminum foil (optional for broiling at the end)
How to Make Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs
1. Prepare the Ribs
Season ribs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cut into sections if needed to fit the crock pot.
2. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Slow Cook
Place ribs into the crock pot. Pour the sauce evenly over them.
Cook:
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Low: 6–8 hours
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High: 3–4 hours
Ribs are done when soft and tender.
4. Optional: Broil for a Sticky Finish
Place ribs on a baking sheet, brush with extra sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until caramelized.
5. Serve
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or pineapple.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooked ribs for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Warm in a covered pan or microwave with extra sauce to keep them moist.
FAQ
Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Yes! Beef ribs work great—just add 1 extra hour of cooking on low.
Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?
Yes, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5–3 hours tightly covered.
Can I thicken the sauce?
After cooking, simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes until thickened.
Should I remove the membrane from ribs?
Removing it helps the ribs become more tender, but it’s optional.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs are the perfect combination of ease and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe delivers juicy, tender ribs with a sweet-tangy glaze that everyone will love. With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can create a comforting, impressive dish every time.
