Slow Cooker Teriyaki Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Flavor with Minimal Effort

Name: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Flavor with Minimal Effort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork ribs; 1 cup teriyaki sauce; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Steamed jasmine rice; Stir-fried vegetables; Asian slaw; Cold beer or iced green tea

By Jason Griffith

April 26, 2025 3 Min Read

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Ribs: A Taste of Home

Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the dinner table every Sunday. One of the highlights of these meals was my mother’s teriyaki ribs, which she would prepare with love and care. The aroma would fill our home, drawing us in like a warm hug. Now, as an adult, I cherish those memories and have adapted my mother’s recipe into a slow cooker version that allows me to recreate that magic with minimal effort. These slow cooker teriyaki ribs are not just a meal; they are a connection to my past, a way to share love with my own family.

What Makes It Special

There are several reasons why this slow cooker teriyaki ribs recipe stands out:

Fall-Off-The-Bone Tenderness: The slow cooking process ensures that the ribs become incredibly tender, making them easy to pull apart with a fork.
Rich Flavor: The homemade teriyaki sauce infuses the meat with a sweet and savory flavor that is simply irresistible.
Minimal Effort: With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy your day while the ribs cook to perfection.

Gather Your Ingredients

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 4-6

2-3 pounds of pork ribs
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking

Start by preparing the teriyaki sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bone.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Once done, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

My Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the ribs in the teriyaki sauce overnight before cooking.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the slow cooker for a complete meal.

What to Serve With It

Steamed jasmine rice
Stir-fried vegetables
Asian slaw
Cold beer or iced green tea

FAQs

Q: Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?

A: Absolutely! Beef ribs will work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

The Heart of the Dish

This slow cooker teriyaki ribs recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring family and friends together. The tender, flavorful ribs are perfect for gatherings, and the ease of preparation means you can focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

Your Turn

I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to tweak the ingredients or cooking times to suit your taste. I would love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!