Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Ribs

Looking for a super simple and delicious dinner? These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Ribs hit both marks. Just toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker, and let the slow cooker do the work for you. Everyone loves this delicious comfort food recipe.

Some nights, the last thing we want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Ribs recipe is a game-changer—set it, forget it, and come home to tender, flavorful ribs without any fuss. 

Boneless country style pork ribs are a budget friendly, lean, versatile, high protein option for quick and easy dinners. I created this recipe with the Iowa Pork Producers Association, and you’ll only need 6 basic ingredients to achieve the most juicy, tender ribs and incredible sweet sticky glaze. You’ll want to soak up every last drop!

After you try these ribs (and fall in love with them), you’ll want to try my Barbecue Country Style Pork Ribs and Slow Cooker Country Style Pork Ribs!

Laura’s Tip: For best results (ultimate tenderness), cook low and slow for more tender pork ribs. However, if you’re short on time, cooking on high works as well.

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep, set it, and forget it — perfect for busy days since the slow cooker does the cooking!
• Versatile: Can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, vegetables, or even wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.
• Family Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s great for both weeknights and special occasions.
• Budget-Friendly: Boneless country style pork ribs offer a hearty, flavorful cut of meat at an affordable price.

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card 

• Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs: Provides the main protein and hearty texture; they are ideal for slow cooking as they become tender and flavorful.
• Neutral Oil: Used for searing the ribs before slow cooking, helping develop a richer flavor and preventing sticking.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Acts as the main marinade and glaze, infusing the pork with sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the tenderness of the ribs, preventing them from drying out during slow cooking.
• Asian Seasoning: Typically includes ingredients like garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder, adding depth and authentic Asian flavor.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce if you want a glossy, stickier glaze after cooking (not pictured).

Tools You’ll Need

• 8 Quart Crockpot
• Large Skillet (optional) or Stovetop Safe Roaster
• Whisk
• Medium Saucepan

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Ribs

1. Season ribs on all sides with salt and pepper.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet on high heat. Sear the ribs 2-3 minutes on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed.

3. To a slow cooker, whisk together teriyaki sauce, chicken broth and Asian seasoning
4. Submerge the seared ribs into the sauce.

5. Cover and cook on low 8-9 hours or high 4-5 hours.
6. Transfer the ribs to a large serving dish. Carefully transfer the liquids from the crockpot to a large skillet. Turn the skillet to high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons water and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened to desired texture.

7. Pour the sauce over the pork ribs. Serve as is or on top of rice, noodles, vegetables, or zoodles.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

• Make a Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: If you prefer making your own teriyaki sauce, whisk together these sauce ingredients to make your own: ½ cup low sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 2 garlic cloves or ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Make the Asian Seasoning: If your store doesn’t have an Asian seasoning blend, here’s a homemade version you can make: 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 1-2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Garnish Options: It will add a pop or freshness and flavor by adding sliced green onions or minced chives. Toasted sesame seeds are a great option as well.
• Spice It Up: If you want to add a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a spicy teriyaki sauce brand.
• Add more Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add brown sugar, maple syrup, or pineapple juice to the chicken and teriyaki sauce.
• Add some Veggies: Broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, or snap peas are also great additions. Add them during the last hour of cooking for a delicious stir-fry effect!

Storage and Freezing

Store any leftover slow cooker pork ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Pork Recipes You’ll Love

• Glazed Pork Tenderloin
• Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
• Pork Tips and Gravy
• Costa Vida Sweet Pork Recipe

This post was created in partnership with the Iowa Pork Producers Association. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.