Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal, and the Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs are a personal favorite of mine. Picture this: after a long day, the aroma of tender, savory ribs fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. I remember the first time I made these ribs; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something that would not only satisfy our hunger but also bring a touch of warmth to our hearts. The blend of soy sauce, ginger, and just the right amount of sweetness creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, making it a dish worth sharing with family and friends.

As the sun sets and the temperatures drop, these ribs become the ultimate comfort food. I love how easy they are to prepare—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. You can spend time with your loved ones without worrying about slaving away in the kitchen. This dish has become a staple for our winter gatherings, a recipe I often find myself returning to when I crave something hearty yet uncomplicated. The Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs are not just a meal; they are an experience, a reminder of shared moments and warm conversations.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs

The ingredients for the Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs come together to create a dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Each element plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture, ensuring that every bite is satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 pounds St. Louis style ribs – Perfect for slow cooking, these ribs are meaty and hold up beautifully to the long cooking times.
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce – This adds a rich umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger – Freshly grated ginger gives the dish a warm spice that brightens the overall flavor.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic infuses the ribs with depth and complements the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – Adds acidity that balances the richness of the ribs.
• ⅓ cup honey – This sweet element caramelizes during cooking, creating a glaze that’s irresistible.
• 2 tablespoons ketchup – A touch of ketchup enhances the sauce’s sweetness and adds a bit of tang.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – For those who like a bit of heat, these flakes bring a nice kick.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil – This oil adds a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds – These are for garnishing, providing a delicate crunch and a lovely presentation.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – This helps thicken the sauce at the end for a luscious glaze.
• 1 green onion, sliced for serving – Fresh green onion adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs

Preparing the Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs is an easy and enjoyable process. Let’s walk through the steps together, ensuring your dish comes out perfectly each time.

1. Start by cutting the ribs into three sections. This helps them fit better in the slow cooker and ensures they cook evenly. Place the sections in the slow cooker, making sure they are arranged nicely.
2. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, ginger, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. This mixture will create a wonderful sauce that will infuse the ribs with flavor as they cook.
3. Pour the sauce over the ribs, ensuring they’re well-coated. This step is crucial for flavor; you want every inch of those ribs to soak in the goodness.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. Choose either low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. This slow cooking allows the ribs to become incredibly tender.
5. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. They’ll be hot and tender, so use tongs to avoid any splatter.
6. Now, turn the slow cooker to high. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into a bit of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. This will thicken the sauce, making it perfect to pour over the ribs.
7. After a few minutes, the sauce should thicken. Once it reaches your desired consistency, pour it over the ribs in a serving dish. This glaze adds a beautiful shine and rich flavor.
8. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions for freshness and a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the smiles around the table!

Ways to Customize

One of the best parts about making the Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs is how you can personalize it to your liking. Here are some tips to make this dish uniquely yours:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for delicious next-day meals.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked ribs for up to three months. Just ensure they’re well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
• Pairing: Consider serving these ribs with steamed rice or a fresh salad to balance the richness. They’re also fantastic with roasted vegetables.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes. You can even add some chopped fresh chili for an extra kick.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey or even some brown sugar to the sauce mixture.
• Garnishes: Enhance presentation with additional garnishes like sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.

Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs

When it comes to serving the Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs, the possibilities are endless. Here’s how to create a delightful meal around this dish:

• Steamed Rice: Serve the ribs over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying pairing.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the tender ribs, balancing the meal perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with seasonal roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side that complements the rich flavors of the ribs.
• Seasonal Salads: A light salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette can brighten the meal, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy winter dinner or a summer gathering.
• Casual Dining: These ribs are excellent for informal get-togethers. Set them out as a centerpiece and let everyone dig in!
• Festive Occasions: They also work well for holiday feasts or potlucks, ensuring there’s something everyone will love.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs are truly a standout dish that brings comfort and deliciousness to any table. Their rich flavors and tender texture make them a favorite for family dinners or gatherings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s simple, rewarding, and sure to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you serve these, they’ll be asking for your secret recipe!

Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs are tender, savory, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering, these easy-to-make ribs will leave everyone craving more. Make them tonight for a delightful dining experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds St. Louis style ribs
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 green onion sliced for serving

Instructions

 

• Cut the ribs into 3 sections and place them in the slow cooker.
• In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, ginger, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
• Pour the sauce over the ribs and cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
• Once the ribs are done cooking, remove them from the slow cooker and turn the slow cooker on high, then whisk the cornstarch into the sauce.
• Pour the sauce over the ribs and top with green onions.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for delicious next-day meals.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked ribs for up to three months. Just ensure they're well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
• Pairing: Consider serving these ribs with steamed rice or a fresh salad to balance the richness. They're also fantastic with roasted vegetables.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes. You can even add some chopped fresh chili for an extra kick.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey or even some brown sugar to the sauce mixture.

Keyword comfort food, easy dinner recipe, Sesame Ginger Ribs, Slow Cooker Ribs

Previous PostHomemade Banana Pudding

Next Post Sugar Cookie Icing

Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!