Slow cooker barbequed beef ribs can offer several health and nutritional benefits, especially when prepared with lean cuts of meat and balanced ingredients. Here are some potential benefits:
1. High Protein: Beef ribs are a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting a healthy immune system, and maintaining proper enzyme and hormone function.
2. Vitamins and Minerals: Beef ribs contain various vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (such as B12, niacin, and riboflavin), zinc, iron, and selenium. These nutrients play vital roles in energy metabolism, red blood cell production, immune function, and antioxidant activity.
3. Collagen and Gelatin: Slow cooking beef ribs allows collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in the production of gelatin. Gelatin provides amino acids like glycine and proline, which support gut health, joint function, and skin elasticity.
4. Controlled Fat Content: Choosing lean cuts of beef ribs and trimming excess fat before cooking can help reduce the overall fat content. By slow cooking, the excess fat has an opportunity to render out, leaving behind a flavorful dish with reduced fat.
5. Flavorful Ingredients: By using herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients in the barbeque sauce or marinade, you can enhance the taste of the dish without relying on excessive salt or added sugars.
6. Versatility and Portion Control: Slow cooker barbequed beef ribs can be paired with various sides like vegetables, salads, or whole grains, offering a balanced meal. Additionally, the slow cooking process can help you achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs without excessive portions.
Remember, it’s essential to consider your specific dietary needs and preferences when consuming any dish. If you have specific health conditions or dietary restrictions, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs
Ingredients
RIBS:
4 pounds (2 kg) baby back pork ribs
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili or Cayenne powder (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
SAUCE:
2 cups (500ml) barbecue sauce
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 – 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Peel off tough membrane that covers the underside/bony side of the ribs. Place on a baking sheet or tray lined with foil (or parchment paper).
Combine together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin and chili or Cayenne. Sprinkle seasoning over ribs and drizzle with oil. Rub the seasoning all over the ribs on both sides. Cover tray with foil and bake for 2 hours.
During the last 5 minutes of cook time, mix together sauce ingredients.
Remove ribs from the oven, remove foil and spread the tops of the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture.
Increase oven temperature to 460°F (240°C). Return ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for a further 10 minutes. Change oven settings to broil (or grill) on medium-high heat to lightly char and caramelise the edges (about 3 minutes).
Rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to recirculate back into the meat before slicing.
Certainly! Here are some tips for preparing slow cooker barbequed beef ribs:
1. Choose the Right Ribs: Opt for meaty beef ribs, such as beef back ribs or beef short ribs. These cuts tend to work well for slow cooking and offer a good balance of meat and bone.
2. Trim Excess Fat: Trim any excessive visible fat from the ribs before cooking. This helps reduce the overall fat content of the dish and prevents it from becoming too greasy.
3. Season the Ribs: Before adding the ribs to the slow cooker, season them generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or dry rubs. This helps enhance the flavor of the meat.
4. Sear the Ribs: For extra flavor, consider searing the ribs in a hot skillet or grill before transferring them to the slow cooker. Searing helps develop a delicious crust and adds depth to the taste.
5. Create a Flavorful Sauce: Prepare a flavorful barbeque sauce or marinade to coat the ribs. You can use a pre-made sauce or create your own using a combination of ingredients like tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices. Adjust the flavors to your preference and add a touch of sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness as desired.
6. Slow Cook with Care: Place the seasoned and sauced ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cook the ribs on low heat for around 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, depending on your preferred tenderness and the strength of your slow cooker. Slow cooking helps break down the collagen in the meat, resulting in tender ribs.
7. Baste and Reduce the Sauce: Periodically baste the ribs with the sauce as they cook to keep them moist and flavorful. Towards the end of the cooking time, you can also transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer it to reduce and thicken it, creating a more concentrated and flavorful sauce.
8. Finishing Touches: If desired, you can finish the ribs under a broiler or on a grill for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce and achieve a slightly charred exterior. This step adds a delightful smoky flavor and enhances the appearance of the ribs.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific slow cooker model and to practice food safety measures throughout the cooking process. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker barbequed beef ribs!