Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs

Super tender and delicious fall-off-the-bone Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs. A tried and tested and practically NO FAIL recipe! Always a big hit!

Whenever we have people over at our house, this is the recipe I frequently turn to. It’s a proven winner.

Everyone seems to love this and I always get asked for the recipe.

What’s even better, since it’s slow-cooked, you can prepare it in the morning and then forget about it till the guests arrive and it’s serving time.

Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs

Perhaps this is the best reason why I often make these yummy ribs for guests! It allows me to concentrate on other things to prep for (like making sure the house is clean!) before friends arrive.

But not only that it’s crazy easy to make and absolutely delicious! Have a quick read of the comments below and you’ll see how much people have loved this recipe.

The meat comes out super-tender and tasty. Because of the slow cooking method, the ribs fully absorb all the flavors of the sauce or marinade. And if by chance you have any left-overs, they taste even better the next day!

Super tender and delicious fall-off-the-bone Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs. A tried and tested and NO FAIL recipe!

I love to have this Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs as part of an Asian-themed menu and below you will find other delicious Asian recipes that I pair with these ribs. They make a fabulous Asian feast that your guests would love.

These yummy ribs pair well with both Pansit and  Chicken and Cashew Nuts Stir-fry.

If you wish to have an Asian night these three dishes plus rice, of course, would be my menu suggestion. This is exactly what I have served to many guests over the years. This is good for about 8-10 people at least.

Pansit

Chicken and Cashew Nuts Stir-Fry

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FOR FULL RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS, SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW.

INGREDIENT LIST FOR SLOW COOKER ASIAN BARBECUE RIBS

  • brown sugar
  • honey or agave nectar
  • soy sauce (get a wheat-free brand if you wish to do a fully gluten-free version)
  • ketchup
  • rice vinegar
  • sweet chili sauce (if unavailable, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
  • garlic cloves
  • fresh ginger, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • salt
  • ground black pepper
  • onion
  • country style pork ribs, baby back ribs or pork shoulder

Procedure

In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients to make the sauce leaving out the chopped onion and the meat. Or if you are in a hurry, just mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker itself (again less the meat).

Note: If you want the meat to absorb more flavor, you can marinate the ribs on the sauce in the fridge overnight. I place everything in the slow cooker – place it on the fridge and then cook it the next day.

Place the chopped onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Dip each piece of meat in the sauce until each are fully coated. Pour the remaining sauce on top of the meat.

Cook on low for about 6-7 hours. I usually crank the slow cooker to high for the first hour just to get a head start and then turn it back to low afterward.

Transfer the cooked ribs (they’d be so tender they may fall off the bones!) to a serving platter and keep warm.

You can make a gravy to accompany the ribs.

Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or strainer to remove bits and pieces of meat and other ingredients in the liquid. You may use up all the sauce or just however much you want. Place the strained sauce in a saucepan and heat up gently. Add 1-2 teaspoons of either arrowroot or cornstarch mixed with a little water. Stir until smooth and cook to your desired thickness and consistency. Season if desired.

Drizzle the sauce on top of the meat. Garnish with chopped scallions. Serve with rice and your favorite veggies.

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I prepare these ribs in advance, and can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can prepare Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs in advance by marinating the ribs and placing them in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows you to start cooking them when you’re ready. Leftovers can be frozen for future meals. To freeze, place the cooled ribs in an airtight container or freezer bags, and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can typically be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or slow cooker for a delicious meal.

Can I cook these Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs in the oven?

Yes, certainly! I have done this in the oven. Cook at 300F for 3-4 hours. I sometimes crank it up to 325F during the last hour. Check it after 3 hours and see if they’re already tender to your liking. I also chop them in smaller pieces when I do the oven-style.

Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs

Manila Spoon
Super tender and delicious fall-off-the-bone Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs. A tried and tested and practically NO FAIL recipe! Always a big hit!
4.73 from 44 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian Cuisine, Chinese, Filipino
Servings 10

Ingredients
 

  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup honey or agave nectar
  • ½ cup soy sauce (get a wheat-free brand if you wish to do a fully gluten-free version)
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce (if unavailable, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled then chopped or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½-1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 5 lbs (2 ½ kilos) country-style pork ribs, baby back ribs, or pork shoulder

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients to make the sauce (brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, garlic, ginger and salt, and black pepper) leaving out the chopped onion and the meat.
  • Place the chopped onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
    Dip each piece of meat in the sauce until each is fully coated. Pour the remaining sauce on top of the meat.
  • Cook on low for about 5-6 hours or until the pork is tender. I usually crank the slow cooker to high for the first hour just to get a head start and then turn it back to low afterward.
    Transfer the cooked ribs (they’d be so tender they may fall off the bones!) to a serving platter and keep warm.
  • If you wish to make a gravy to go with the ribs, strain the liquid through a fine sieve or strainer to remove bits and pieces of meat and other ingredients in the liquid. You may use up all the sauce or just however much you want. Place the strained sauce in a saucepan and heat up gently. Add 1-2 teaspoons of either arrowroot or cornstarch mixed with a little water. Stir until smooth and cook to your desired thickness and consistency. Season if desired.

Notes

TIPS & TRICKS 
If you want the meat to absorb more flavor, you can marinate the ribs on the sauce in the fridge overnight. I place everything in the slow cooker –  leave it in the fridge and then cook it the next day. 
Can I cook these Slow Cooker Asian Barbecue Ribs in the oven?
Yes, certainly! I have done this in the oven. Cook at 300F for 3-4 hours. I sometimes crank it up to 325F during the last hour. Check it after 3 hours and see if they’re already tender to your liking. I also chop them in smaller pieces when I do the oven-style.
Keyword asian-style pork ribs, chinese country-style slow cooker pork ribs recipe, chinese slow cooker sticky ribs recipe, crockpot barbecue ribs asian-style, slow cooker asian barbecue ribs, slow cooker asian bbq ribs, slow cooker asian pork ribs, slow cooker country-style ribs recipe, slow-cooked ribs asian-style
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:29 am

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92 Comments

    • January 18, 2013 / 3:46 am

      Thanks, Nicole! We had a good dinner and enjoyed this a lot! Hope you like it too!

  1. January 19, 2013 / 6:59 pm

    These ribs look so good! Can't beat a slow cooker for delivering great results every time–and for virtually no work!

    • January 22, 2013 / 4:14 pm

      So true Jean! I cannot live without my slow cooker! 🙂

  2. January 20, 2013 / 10:55 pm

    Just saw these on FG and had to let you know how amazing they look! Pinned!

    • January 22, 2013 / 4:16 pm

      Thanks Valerie! That's so sweet of you! Glad you stopped by.

  3. January 23, 2013 / 1:37 am

    Hi! These look so delicious! It might be worth noting, for people who found your recipe listed as "gluten free" on foodgawker, that they need to substitute your soy sauce with tamari.

    I hope to make these someday soon!

    • January 29, 2013 / 2:32 am

      Thanks, I will note that and hope you get to try this soon! 🙂

  4. Nora Yasay
    February 13, 2013 / 5:03 am

    We had this for dinner and it was delish! Salamat sa recipe.

    • February 15, 2013 / 3:10 am

      Salamat din Nora Yasay for giving us a feedback! So happy you enjoyed these ribs!

    • KittiePrincess
      August 25, 2013 / 3:09 am

      Made this for my picky Chef husband & HE LOVED IT!!! gave it 4 stars (does not happen very often)…so thank you 4 broadening my recipe profile. Have now put you on my FB like page…
      thank you ♡ thank you ♡

    • June 16, 2014 / 3:37 pm

      That is awesome! I can't believe I have missed this comment. Please pardon me.

    • September 23, 2013 / 8:53 pm

      Appreciate the share and pin Serena. Thanks! Glad you stopped by!

  5. cecilia
    March 19, 2014 / 8:34 am

    muy buena pinta

  6. June 14, 2014 / 6:24 pm

    Ummm…. YUM! They look so delicious and easy! What a combo! I had to pin. Dropping by from Enjoying Yummy Recipes Deb @ Kneaded Creations

    • June 16, 2014 / 3:39 pm

      Glad you came by Deborah. Hope you and your family enjoy this dish. Thanks.

  7. June 14, 2014 / 6:49 pm

    We adore ribs in the slow cooker! These look FANTASTIC! pinned for us to make SOON!

    • June 16, 2014 / 3:38 pm

      Thank you so much for stopping by, please enjoy!

  8. July 13, 2014 / 2:42 am

    Thanks for the recipe. I would really like to try this but i need to buy a slow cooker yet. May i know what brand of slow cooker you use? Thanks!

    • August 12, 2014 / 2:52 am

      I use Hamilton Beach though I also have a Kenmore.

  9. November 22, 2014 / 5:23 pm

    I love your BBQ ribs and I have all of the ingredients except the ribs! Nettie

    • Michelle
      April 14, 2019 / 6:37 pm

      This was easy and delicious! They fell apart and were melt-in-your-mouth! I will make this over and over again!

      • abigail
        Author
        April 14, 2019 / 10:43 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this! It’s such a yummy recipe for sure. Thanks for letting us know.

  10. November 22, 2014 / 10:32 pm

    Sounds mouthwatering! What a wonderful slow cooker meal!

  11. November 24, 2014 / 7:32 am

    I had to pop by to jot down the ingredients for these ribs again! They are a family favorite! Thank you for another wonderful recipe!

  12. November 24, 2014 / 10:27 am

    Your dish looks absolutely amazing! I really need to but a slow cooker now 🙂

  13. September 30, 2015 / 2:16 pm

    Are these like the ones you get from take out. My son loves those and I'm having a hard time recreating them, as we don't do take out much and they are a special treat, but have started to upset my tummy as well as his. I thought if I could make them myself they might be better… Thank you!!!

    • October 1, 2015 / 3:10 am

      I don't know what the take-out ribs are like as I don't order them. I often serve this when we have guests for dinner and they always love it. Perhaps you can try and then be the judge. 🙂

  14. October 30, 2015 / 9:11 pm

    OMG!! My family loves, loves, loves this! Thank you for sharing the recipe.

  15. October 30, 2015 / 9:12 pm

    OMG! My family loves, loves, loves this! Thank you for sharing the recipe.

  16. November 20, 2015 / 3:30 am

    Looks great.

  17. June 1, 2016 / 11:54 pm

    love the flavour combination for this must try rib recipe!

  18. June 2, 2016 / 9:34 pm

    This is happening – I just need to buy the ribs – I have everything else in my pantry!

  19. June 3, 2016 / 1:57 am

    This looks absolutely delicious. My family would love it!!

  20. June 29, 2016 / 11:00 pm

    Would this work as a freeze ahead meal?

    • June 30, 2016 / 1:11 pm

      You may freeze it after it's cooled down. I suggest dividing it into a few batches for easier thawing rather than the whole lot. Thanks!

  21. July 12, 2016 / 2:20 am

    What would be a good side dish to serve with these ribs?

    • October 4, 2016 / 1:26 pm

      Thank you very much! This is always a big hit!

  22. May 18, 2018 / 8:44 pm

    The pictures of the ribs looks good. I’m going to make them this weekend.

    • abigail
      Author
      May 19, 2018 / 8:41 am

      Hope you enjoy the ribs! Thanks!

  23. claire tridente
    July 3, 2018 / 12:59 pm

    These look yummy! I love all the ingredients listed here. I’m not a owner of a crock pot. Any suggestions of oven cooking? How long? Temp? Should I pan sear them first?

    Love to try this!! Thank You!

    • abigail
      Author
      December 28, 2018 / 9:52 pm

      I have done this in the oven – 300F for 3-4 hours. I sometimes crank it up to 325F during the last hour. Check it after 3 hours and see if they’re already tender to your liking. I also chop them in smaller pieces when I do the oven-style.

  24. Carmen
    February 7, 2019 / 6:17 pm

    I am planning on making these for my husband’s birthday dinner celebration, I’m trying to find out, what’s the serving size for the recipe? More or less. Thank you.

    • abigail
      Author
      February 8, 2019 / 9:56 pm

      Depending on people’s appetites it should feed between 6-8 people.

  25. abc
    March 2, 2019 / 8:27 am

    When to put the onions?

    • abigail
      Author
      March 2, 2019 / 10:35 am

      Just place the chopped onion at the bottom of the slow cooker then add the rest on top.

      • abc
        March 2, 2019 / 7:50 pm

        Thanks. Will try it today.

  26. Debbie Mann
    September 13, 2019 / 9:55 pm

    Good evening! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. Tell me, can you use short ribs as well?

    • abigail
      Author
      September 14, 2019 / 8:59 am

      You can try that for sure. Perhaps just adjust the time of cooking. Let us know how it goes. Thanks!

  27. Hannah Majewski
    July 21, 2020 / 4:05 pm

    This was a super supper! I had to make a couple of changes: switched out rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar and used pepper flakes instead of sweet chili sauce (forgot to buy both at the grocery store!) Mine turned out a little dry because I let it cook too long but the sauce helped moisten it. Definitely a keeper!

    • abigail
      Author
      July 21, 2020 / 10:19 pm

      So glad you enjoyed this Hannah! Thanks for letting us know!

  28. Adrianne
    January 25, 2021 / 5:37 pm

    5 stars
    What a great idea to have these as part of an Asian themed menu! I love everything about them. They look very saucy and delicious.

  29. Kelli
    January 25, 2021 / 5:49 pm

    5 stars
    These Asian slow cooker barbecue ribs are SO good and SO easy! It will become a staple for sure.

  30. rika
    January 25, 2021 / 5:59 pm

    5 stars
    These slow cooker ribs are absolutely cooked in perfection! And I love the Asian flavor! My favorite seasoning! Yum.

  31. Jenn
    January 25, 2021 / 6:45 pm

    5 stars
    This Asian barbecue ribs is one of the few that I make when I’m craving seriously bold flavors! It works our amazingly every time, and the sauce, OMG the sauce is sooooo good!

  32. Chichi
    January 26, 2021 / 1:20 am

    5 stars
    This recipe site looks good. I could literally eat off my screen. Making this slow cooker Asian barbecue ribs as soon as I get some ribs over the weekend.

  33. Grace Huggins
    January 31, 2021 / 8:31 pm

    Looks yummy Abby, I will try it thank you ❤️❤️❤️.

    • abigail
      Author
      January 31, 2021 / 8:55 pm

      Hope you like it, Grace. Thanks!

  34. Elaine Kasprzyk
    January 31, 2021 / 8:52 pm

    Delicious recipe! Nice to find a new recipe that my family likes and I know I will prepare again. So glad I found this on Pinterest. Thanks.

    • abigail
      Author
      January 31, 2021 / 8:55 pm

      So glad you found us via Pinterest and thanks for stopping over to let us know what you thought of the recipe. This is a family favorite for sure!

  35. traci scholze
    February 20, 2021 / 2:34 pm

    I can’t wait to try. I have a couple questions. Is it better to marinate in the refrig. over night? If so do you put the onions in and all the meat in the crock overnight too? Also can you use boneless country style ribs?

    • abigail
      Author
      February 20, 2021 / 3:04 pm

      You can marinate it overnight but make sure to bring it first to room temperature before cooking. Just add the onions when you’re ready to make it since it’s not part of the marinade anyway – that’s what I do. Boneless ribs are fine too. Enjoy.

      • traci scholze
        February 20, 2021 / 3:22 pm

        Thanks so much! One more question…does it get too strong if I do it over night? Which way do you prefer?

        • abigail
          Author
          February 21, 2021 / 6:12 pm

          It’s good either way. I’ve done both. I only do overnight if I am so busy the next day and don’t have time to prep. Same day is ok, too. And left-overs the next day, if any, tastes even better.

  36. Daniella
    March 13, 2021 / 11:07 am

    Will this recipe work with any pork rib? I have spare rib not country style on hand.

    • abigail
      Author
      March 13, 2021 / 3:03 pm

      Yes, I’ve tried this with pork baby back ribs before. You just won’t get as much meat that’s why I use country-style but it should be good for flavor. Enjoy.

  37. nomsa
    May 7, 2021 / 5:50 pm

    Will this recipe work with beef ribs ?

    • abigail
      Author
      May 8, 2021 / 8:28 pm

      I haven’t tried it myself but I can’t see why not? Beef takes longer to cook so simply adjust the time if needed.

  38. Claudia Lamascolo
    October 12, 2021 / 3:36 pm

    5 stars
    I just love the Asian-style barbecue, the taste is off the chart in this sauce delicious! That sweet chili sauce and rice wine vinegar made a huge difference we loved them!

  39. Dana
    October 13, 2021 / 7:53 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic in the slow cooker! I love the flavors that go into these ribs.

  40. Natalie
    October 13, 2021 / 10:32 am

    5 stars
    That ribs look amazing. Perfectly flavored! I’m going to save this recipe and make it for dinner tomorrow. Can’t wait.

  41. Swathi
    October 13, 2021 / 10:03 pm

    5 stars
    Slow cooker barbeque ribs looks yum. Love this easy meal.

  42. Larry Adams
    April 29, 2023 / 11:50 pm

    When using country-style ribs do you remove some of the fat to keep it from getting too greasy?

    • abigail
      Author
      May 1, 2023 / 10:01 am

      If there’s too much, I remove some but leave enough for flavor. You don’t want it too lean either.

  43. TAYLER ROSS
    June 8, 2023 / 9:26 am

    5 stars
    I made these ribs for dinner last night and they were incredible! So full of flavor, and I love that they’re made in the slow cooker.

  44. Beth
    June 8, 2023 / 9:28 am

    5 stars
    These are delicious! Sweet, sour, and super sticky. We love them.

  45. Savita
    June 8, 2023 / 9:47 am

    5 stars
    These turned out really good, I gave it a try last weekend, it did not turn the way it looks here but taste wise it was soo good. Full of flavors.

  46. Casey
    June 8, 2023 / 10:01 am

    5 stars
    I love slow cooker recipes in the summer because they don’t heat up the house, and this one seems like it would be perfect!

  47. Chenee
    June 8, 2023 / 10:04 am

    5 stars
    These had such a nice Aisan flavor to them and they were so easy to make! We had them with some instant rice for a super easy meal.

  48. Kate
    June 8, 2023 / 11:03 am

    5 stars
    We love all the bold flavors in these ribs! Soooo good.

  49. Whitney
    June 8, 2023 / 11:10 am

    5 stars
    Anything I can throw in the crockpot is a win for me but these ribs are fall of the bone!! Easy to prepare and so delicious.

  50. Sara Welch
    June 8, 2023 / 11:36 am

    5 stars
    This was everything a gourmet meal should be, and then some! Turned out sweet, savory and perfectly tender; easily, a new favorite recipe!

  51. Suja md
    June 8, 2023 / 11:37 am

    5 stars
    Wow! this is my new favorite recipe!

  52. Kushigalu
    June 8, 2023 / 11:56 am

    5 stars
    This slow cooker ribs look amazingly delicious, Thanks for the recipe.

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