Ribs are a classic BBQ food that can be prepared in different ways. Two popular methods for cooking ribs are using a crockpot or a pressure cooker. Both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to flavor, tenderness, and convenience. This article will compare cooking ribs in a crock pot versus a pressure cooker to help you determine which method may work best for you.
Crockpot Method
A crockpot, also known as a slow cooker, cooks food at a low temperature over a long period of time. Here is an overview of cooking ribs in a crockpot:
Benefits
- Very simple and hands-off cooking method. Just throw the ingredients in the crockpot in the morning and ribs will be fall-off-the-bone tender after 8+ hours of cooking.
- Since crockpots cook at a lower temperature, there is less risk of overcooking or burning the ribs compared to other high-heat methods.
- Crockpots are inexpensive and widely available.
- Ribs cooked in a crockpot are very moist and tender due to the slow cooking time.
- You can prep a large batch of ribs in a big crockpot and have BBQ all week long.
Drawbacks
- Takes much longer to cook ribs than a pressure cooker or oven. Expect 8-10 hours for fall-off-the-bone ribs.
- The slow cooking time means you need to plan in advance if you want ribs for dinner.
- Ribs don’t develop as much of a crispy bark or char as other high-heat cooking methods.
- Some slow cooker models may not maintain an ideal consistent temperature.
- Size limitations – large crockpots are needed for cooking racks of ribs.
Tips for Crockpot Ribs
- Use a rack in the crockpot to lift the ribs so they are not sitting in the juices. This prevents them from getting too soggy.
- Trim excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Apply a dry rub for flavor before cooking. Sauce can be added near the end.
- Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours for fall-off-the-bone texture.
- Use aluminum foil or an oven-safe liner to make cleanup easier.
Pressure Cooker Method
Pressure cookers use steam pressure to cook food very quickly and tenderize meats. Here is an overview of making ribs in a pressure cooker:
Benefits
- Extremely fast cooking time. Ribs can be ready in 45-60 minutes.
- Generates steam that penetrates and tenderizes the meat.
- Retains moisture very well.
- Small batches of ribs can be cooked if you have a 6+ quart cooker.
- Minimal cleanup since there is only one pot to wash.
- Many models have pre-programmed buttons making operation simple.
Drawbacks
- Higher likelihood of over or undercooking since cook times are short.
- Must closely follow recipe instructions for best results.
- Does not produce much caramelization or crispy exterior.
- Size limitations – a minimum 6 quart cooker is needed for racks of ribs.
- Must allow pressure to release before opening lid, slowing down cook to plate time.
Tips for Pressure Cooker Ribs
- Use racks or steamer basket to elevate ribs off bottom of pot.
- Trim excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Add 1 cup liquid such as water, broth, or BBQ sauce to generate steam.
- Allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.
- Finish ribs briefly under the broiler to caramelize exterior.
Comparison
Here is a side-by-side comparison of some key factors when cooking ribs in a crockpot vs pressure cooker:
| Factor | Crockpot | Pressure Cooker |
|---|---|---|
| Cook time | 8-10 hours | 45-60 minutes |
| User effort | Very simple | Moderately difficult |
| Tenderness | Extremely tender and moist | Very moist and tender |
| Flavor | Rich, flavorful | Intense flavor |
| Bark/Char | Little to none | Little without further broiling |
| Capacity | Large batches | Smaller batches only |
Crockpot Recipe
This basic crockpot rib recipe results in finger-licking tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs baby back ribs or pork spare ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce or rub
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from ribs and cut into sections to fit crockpot if needed.
- Place ribs meat-side down in crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, paprika, salt and pepper. Pour over ribs.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours.
- During last 30 minutes baste ribs with sauce and increase heat to high if needed to thicken sauce.
- Carefully remove ribs and serve!
Pressure Cooker Recipe
These pressure cooker BBQ ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender in just an hour!
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs baby back ribs or pork spare ribs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cut ribs into sections to fit pressure cooker and trim fat.
- Season ribs with salt and pepper.
- Select saute setting on pressure cooker and add onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and ribs. Stir to coat ribs.
- Secure pressure cooker lid and pressure cook on high for 45-60 minutes.
- Allow pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.
- Serve ribs immediately or broil 3-5 minutes for caramelized bark.
Conclusion
Both the crockpot and pressure cooker can produce extremely moist, flavorful ribs when following the right techniques. The crockpot approach requires minimal work but a lot of time and patience. With a pressure cooker you can have tender ribs ready to eat in just an hour. While the results are slightly different, home cooks can get delicious ribs using either appliance.
For maximum convenience and “set it and forget it” ease, the crockpot has a clear advantage. If you want to be eating ribs at dinnertime on a busy weeknight, the fast-cooking pressure cooker can’t be beat. Consider your timeline, patience level, and texture preferences when deciding between these two great methods for cooking ribs at home.
Here are a few final tips when choosing between a crockpot and pressure cooker for ribs:
- For large batches or meal prepping, the extra capacity of a crockpot is useful.
- Watch cook times closely with a pressure cooker to prevent over or undercooking.
- Use a meat thermometer with both methods for best results.
- Finish ribs under the broiler if you want more exterior bark when pressure cooking.
- Crockpots tend to be cheaper than multifunction pressure cookers.
With the right recipe and some practice, you can get insanely tender and juicy ribs at home with either a crockpot or pressure cooker. Both are great tools to have in your arsenal if you love to cook barbecue ribs!