This slow cooker Portuguese ribs recipe is my favorite ribs recipe. Cooking them in the slow cooker (aka crock pot) makes the meat just fall off the bones. That’s what I love about a good ribs recipe…the ribs just fall off the bone!
Another thing I love about this ribs recipe is that there’s a vinegary and spicy flavor to them. This is the only way I make ribs. No other recipes I’ve encountered can compare to this one. It’s been a tested and true loved recipe in my home. I’ve been making it since 2017.
Slow Cooker Portuguese Ribs
This is my all-time favorite ribs recipe. This spicy and vinegary recipe is a keeper. You'll love how the meat just falls off the bones.
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
Ingredients
- 1 rack ribs (3-4 lbs, depending on the size of your slow cooker)
- 1/4 cup white wine (you can use cooking wine, or wine vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Piri Piri [substitution: Tabasco sauce]
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce [substitution: soy sauce or coconut aminos]
- 1 tbsp Piri Piri [substitution: Tabasco sauce]
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Instructions
- [Prep ribs]. Place ribs in crock pot. Pour wine over the ribs and rub the chopped garlic over the ribs. Place cover over the crock pot and let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- [Mix the seasonings]. Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix the salt, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper and Piri Piri (or Tabasco sauce), until you have a paste. Set aside.
- After the ribs have marinated for an hour, take the ribs out of the refrigerator, and rub the spices into the spare ribs using your fingers.
- Cook ribs on the High setting.
- [Prepare the BBQ Sauce]. Mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, sugar, worcestershire sauce, piri piri and white vinegar. Put aside.
- At the 1 hour and 15 minute mark, add the BBQ sauce to the ribs.
- Cook for another 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours (or until the meat is falling off of the bone).