If it’s not on special, I don’t buy it. At least that’s my goal each time I visit a grocery store. Last week, I passed by the “Special Bin” at Kroger’s and there were two, half-sections of Pork Loin Back Ribs. They were like three dollars and change each, so I bought both.
These Pork Loin Back Ribs were a bit thicker than typical Baby Back ribs and I decided to slow-cook them so they would be ready when I got home for work. I tried a slightly different approach in my crock pot technique, and they turned out very well.
For starters, I used no liquid whatsoever, just a dry rub. You can use any rub you wish or create your own concoction with brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper and any other spices you enjoy.
I went with my Charley Mills Barbeque Sauce Mix – a dry mix that I add vinegar and water to make a perfect Carolina style BBQ sauce. It’s got a lot of heat and kick to it, and it worked great on the ribs. I rubbed the ribs thoroughly and then stood the ribs up vertically in the crock pot with the wider, fatter end on the bottom.
I turned them on low for 6 hours and they were falling apart tender and not greasy at all. Standing them up kept them out of what little grease there was. They are good just as they are, or add some BBQ sauce, like Sticky Fingers
The next day, I made a BBQ sandwich out of the leftovers, and it was over-the-top good.
I have two recommendations. First, order some Charlie Mills BBQ Sauce Mix online if you enjoy “genuine” Carolina BBQ, and second, next time you do ribs in the slow cooker, leave out the liquid and stand them on end. You’ll be pleased with the results.