Slow-cooked pork ribs with apples served on a plate garnished with fresh herbs

Tender Slow-Cooked Pork Ribs with Sweet Apples

Name: Tender Slow-Cooked Pork Ribs with Sweet Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 kg Pork ribs (spare ribs or baby back ribs); 2 pieces Apples (preferably firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 piece Onion (medium-sized); 3 pieces Garlic cloves (minced); 2 tbsp Brown sugar; 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tbsp Olive oil; 100 ml Water or apple juice

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Pork: Easy and Delicious Recipes

easy

6 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories450kcal

Carbs15gram

Fat25gram

Protein35gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Pork ribs (spare ribs or baby back ribs)1.5 kg
Apples (preferably firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)2 pieces
Onion (medium-sized)1 piece
Garlic cloves (minced)3 pieces
Brown sugar2 tbsp
Apple cider vinegar2 tbsp
Dijon mustard1 tbsp
Smoked paprika1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
Olive oil1 tbsp
Water or apple juice100 ml

This easy slow-cooked pork ribs with apples recipe combines tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with the sweetness of apples for a comforting, tasty dish. Slow cooking ensures the meat is juicy and flavorful while the apples add a lovely contrast. The total ingredient cost is approximately $15 USD / €14 / £12 / ₹1,200. Each serving contains about 450 kcal, appropriate for a balanced omnivorous diet. The recipe is beginner-friendly and requires about 6 hours of slow cooking plus 15 minutes of prep time. Follow food safety guidelines to ensure perfectly cooked ribs at a safe internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).

Preparation instructions

Prepare the ribs

1Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs for tenderness. Pat ribs dry with paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better. Approximate time: 10 minutes.

Make the seasoning rub

2In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. This rub adds a balanced sweet and smoky flavor to the ribs. Approximate time: 2 minutes.

Season the ribs

3Rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of the ribs. Ensure the ribs are well coated for maximum flavor. Approximate time: 3 minutes.

Prepare the fruits and aromatics

4Peel and core the apples, then slice into thin wedges. Peel and slice the onion thinly. Mince the garlic cloves. Adding apples and onion infuses moisture and sweetness during cooking. Approximate time: 5 minutes.

Layer ingredients in slow cooker

5Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange half of the apples and onions at the bottom. Place the ribs on top, meat side up. Spread minced garlic evenly over the ribs. Top with the remaining apples and onions. Pour apple cider vinegar and water (or apple juice) around the ribs. This layering helps the ribs cook evenly and fruits add flavor and moisture. Approximate time: 5 minutes.

Slow cook the ribs

6Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 hours. During cooking, the ribs will become tender and juicy as they absorb the sweet and tangy flavors from the apples and vinegar.

Check internal temperature

7After 6 hours, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the ribs. It should reach at least 71°C (160°F) to ensure safe consumption of pork. If not reached, cook for an additional 30 minutes and recheck temperature.

Serve

8Carefully remove ribs from the slow cooker and place on a serving plate. Spoon some of the cooked apples and onions over the ribs. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Cooking Tips

1For extra flavor, marinate the ribs with the seasoning rub overnight in the fridge.

2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and fruits.

3If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the ribs in a covered baking dish in the oven at 130°C (265°F) for about 3-4 hours.

4Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs are cooked safely. Pork that reaches 71°C (160°F) is safe to eat and will be tender and juicy.

Equipment needed

Slow cooker (or a covered baking dish if using oven)
Meat thermometer
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowls
Measuring spoons
Spoon or brush for applying seasoning

Shopping list with approximate costs

[ ] Pork ribs (1.5 kg) – $10.00 (Choose fresh, firm ribs with a good layer of meat and minimal bone fragments)
[ ] Apples (2 pieces) – $1.50 (Select firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith which hold their shape well when cooked)
[ ] Onion (1 medium) – $0.50 (Pick firm onions without soft spots)
[ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) – $0.30 (Firm cloves with no sprouting)
[ ] Brown sugar (2 tbsp) – $0.10 (You likely have this staple; brown sugar adds sweetness and caramel flavor)
[ ] Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp) – $0.20 (For tang and to tenderize ribs)
[ ] Dijon mustard (1 tbsp) – $0.15 (Adds depth of flavor)
[ ] Smoked paprika (1 tsp) – $0.10 (Check expiration for best flavor)
[ ] Olive oil (1 tbsp) – $0.15 (Use extra virgin for best taste)
[ ] Water or apple juice (100 ml) – $0.10

Total approximate cost: $13.10

Prices vary by location and season. Fresh, quality ingredients improve flavor significantly.