Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ Riblets

Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ Riblets start with a full rack of baby back pork ribs, cut in half lengthwise, slow baked, and finished off with a delicious homemade Apricot BBQ Sauce in the slow cooker. A great lip smacking appetizer or main dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 20

Servings servings

Calories 289 kcal

Ingredients

2 Full Racks Baby Back Pork Ribs cut in half lengthwise
1 cup Apple Juice

Brown Sugar Rub

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

Apricot BBQ Sauce

1/2 cup Apricot Preserves
1 1/2 cup bottled BBQ Sauce
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce like Tabasco
Juice of 1 lime
1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro

Instructions

Prepare each half rack of baby back ribs by removing the membrane.
In a small bowl combine brown sugar, garlic salt, onion powder, ginger, chili powder, and cayenne pepper together to create the "rub" for the ribs. Rub the brown sugar mixture unto the top and back of each half slab of baby back ribs. Allow to set 10-15 minutes.
Curl ribs and place inside a 6-8 quart Instant Pot. Add 1 cup apple juice or apple cider. Place lid on Instant Pot and lock into place. Make sure the valve vent is in the "Shut" position. Push the meat button and set the time for 45-50 minutes with a natural release of 30 minutes.
Carefully remove the baked ribs lay flat on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight, or until rib meat is firm. Using a sharp knife slice ribs into individual riblets.
In a bowl combine all the Apricot BBQ Sauce ingredients and mix well.
Pour half the BBQ sauce into the bottom of a lined slow cooker. Add riblets. Pour remaining BBQ sauce over the top of the riblets. Cover with lid and bake on high for 2 hours, or on low for 3-4 hours. Stir riblets every 30 minutes until riblets are completely warmed through.
Optional step: Place riblets on a baking sheet under broiler for 5 minutes to crisp up edges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 1030mgFiber: 1gSugar: 54g