Slow-Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Cook: 5 hours

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Dec. 28, 2023
After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous Restaurant in Memphis, I was inspired to create a slow-cooked version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor that the ribs would get from being grilled over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 5 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

  1. Combine vinegar and water; brush over ribs. Pour remaining vinegar mixture into a 6-qt. slow cooker. Mix together remaining ingredients. Sprinkle ribs with half the seasoning blend; reserve the other half. Cut the ribs into serving-sized pieces; transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Cook, covered, on low until tender, 5-6 hours. Remove ribs; skim fat from cooking juices. Using a clean brush, brush ribs generously with skimmed cooking juices; sprinkle with reserved seasoning mixture. Serve ribs with remaining juices.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 509 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 1137mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.