Introduction

Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Ribs are the perfect combination of tender meat, sticky sauce,
and irresistible sweet-tangy flavor. This dish lets the slow cooker do all the work,
giving you fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a luscious glaze. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners
or special gatherings, these ribs always impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Ribs

• 3–4 pounds pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Sweet & Sour Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
• ½ cup diced pineapple (optional)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat the ribs dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Optional: Brown the ribs in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
3. In a bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Place ribs in the slow cooker and pour sauce over them. Add pineapple and bell pepper if using.
5. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours until ribs are tender.
6. Optional: Thicken the sauce by mixing ½ cup cooking liquid with cornstarch and returning it to the slow cooker for 10–15 minutes.
7. Remove ribs and spoon extra sauce over the top before serving.

Description

These Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Ribs are tender, juicy, and bursting with rich, tangy flavor.
The savory notes blend beautifully with the sweetness of brown sugar and pineapple juice,
resulting in a sticky, glossy glaze. Bright additions like pineapple chunks and bell peppers
elevate this dish with a tropical twist.

Tips

• Broil cooked ribs for 3–5 minutes to crisp the edges.
• Pineapple juice naturally tenderizes the meat.
• Cut ribs into smaller sections to fit better in the slow cooker.
• Avoid overcooking—ribs should be tender but not completely falling apart.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Corrections (Common Mistakes)

• Don’t add extra water—slow cookers create their own moisture.
• Place ribs meat-side down, not fat-side up.
• Browning is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
• Add cornstarch slowly to avoid over-thickening the sauce.

Enjoy

Serve your sweet & sour ribs with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete,
satisfying meal. Tender, saucy, and full of flavor—these ribs are sure to become a family favorite!