Honey Buffalo Ribs In Slow Cooker
Honey Buffalo Ribs In Slow Cooker is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 hrs 30 min | Total: 8 hrs 5 min
Cost: $31.76 total, $7.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pounds Pork Loin Back Ribs (sliced, bone‑in)
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste; can omit for low‑sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Barbecue Rub (any favorite BBQ rub)
- 0.75 cup Frank's RedBuffalo Wing Sauce (buffalo wing sauce, not hot sauce)
- 0.75 cup Apricot Preserves (coarse apricot preserves)
- 0.5 cup Honey (liquid honey)
- 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1.5 tablespoon Cornstarch (for thickening the glaze)
- 2 tablespoon Spicy Mustard (hot mustard; Dijon works if unavailable)
- 0.25 cup Low‑Sodium Soy Sauce (use low‑sodium to keep salt level moderate)
- 1 spray Cooking Spray (non‑stick spray for crockpot)
- 1 sheet Aluminum Foil (lined on baking sheet for easy cleanup)
Instructions
Season the Ribs
Sprinkle the pork ribs with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon barbecue rub. Toss or rub to coat evenly.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Arrange Ribs on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the rib slices skin‑side down in a single layer.
Time: PT5M
First Side Roast
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 400°F
Flip and Roast Second Side
Turn the ribs over and roast an additional 15 minutes until both sides are lightly seared.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare the Honey‑Buffalo Glaze
In a saucepan combine 0.75 cup Frank's RedBuffalo wing sauce, 0.75 cup apricot preserves, 0.5 cup honey, 1 cup packed dark brown sugar, 0.25 cup low‑sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp spicy mustard. Heat gently, stirring, until the mixture just begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
Time: PT10M
Reserve Portion of Sauce
Measure out 1 cup of the hot glaze and set aside for finishing.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Crockpot
Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of the remaining glaze on the bottom.
Time: PT5M
Add Ribs and Remaining Sauce
Place the seared rib slices into the crockpot and pour the rest of the glaze over them, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 7 hours (or 4‑5 hours on HIGH).
Time: PT7H
Mid‑Cook Baste
After about 3 hours, open the lid, baste the ribs with a spoonful of the cooking sauce, and gently rearrange.
Time: PT5M
Check for Doneness
Around 6½‑7 hours, test a rib; the meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
Time: PT5M
Finish with Reserved Sauce
Transfer ribs to a wire rack, brush generously with the reserved 1‑cup glaze, and let rest briefly.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Arrange the honey buffalo ribs on a serving platter and enjoy hot.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains soy, Contains honey, Gluten‑Free if using gluten‑free BBQ rub
Allergens: Honey, Mustard, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pork Loin Back Ribs: baby back ribs, spare ribs, St. Louis style ribs
- Instead of Kosher Salt: regular table salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Barbecue Rub: homemade spice blend
- Instead of Frank's RedBuffalo Wing Sauce: other buffalo wing sauces
- Instead of Apricot Preserves: apricot jam, peach preserves
- Instead of Honey: agave syrup
- Instead of Dark Brown Sugar: light brown sugar, coconut sugar
- Instead of Cornstarch: arrowroot powder
- Instead of Spicy Mustard: Dijon mustard
- Instead of Low‑Sodium Soy Sauce: regular soy sauce (use less)
- Instead of Cooking Spray: light oil brush
- Instead of Aluminum Foil: parchment paper
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Aluminum Foil
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Saucepan
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
- Cooking Spray (optional)
- Tongs
- Basting Brush
- Wire Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the Ribs
- Preheat Oven
- Arrange Ribs on Baking Sheet
- Prepare the Honey‑Buffalo Glaze
- Prepare Crockpot
- Add Ribs and Remaining Sauce
- Slow Cook
- Finish with Reserved Sauce
Chef Tips from the Video
- After the final glaze, place the ribs under a broiler for 2‑3 minutes for a caramelized crust.
- Use a wire rack after cooking to keep the ribs from sitting in excess sauce.
Troubleshooting
Ribs are dry after cooking.
Make sure the glaze fully coats the ribs and baste at least once during the slow‑cook. Increase the cooking liquid by ¼ cup if needed.
Sauce is too thin.
Mix a little extra cornstarch with cold water (slurry) and stir into the hot sauce, then simmer briefly to thicken.
Ribs are not tender after the set time.
Continue cooking on LOW for additional 15‑30 minute intervals until the meat pulls away easily.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag or container for up to 2 months; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the honey‑buffalo glaze up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.
- Season the ribs and keep them covered in the fridge; sear just before slow cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Honey Buffalo Ribs in American cuisine?
Honey Buffalo Ribs blend classic American barbecue with the iconic Buffalo wing flavor that originated in Buffalo, New York. The sweet‑and‑spicy glaze reflects the modern trend of fusing traditional BBQ with wing sauces for game‑day and casual gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of buffalo‑style ribs in the United States?
In the Midwest, ribs are often smoked before being tossed in buffalo sauce, while Southern cooks may add more brown sugar for a sweeter glaze. Some East Coast versions incorporate a touch of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
How is Honey Buffalo Ribs traditionally served in American gatherings?
They are typically served hot as a finger food alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of blue‑cheese dressing, mirroring the classic Buffalo wing presentation at bars and sports events.
What occasions or celebrations are Honey Buffalo Ribs associated with in American culture?
These ribs are popular for Super Bowl parties, tailgate gatherings, and casual weekend barbecues where bold, shareable flavors are prized.
What authentic ingredients define a true Honey Buffalo Rib versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic version relies on Frank's RedBuffalo wing sauce, apricot preserves for fruit sweetness, and a touch of honey. Substitutes like other buffalo sauces, peach jam, or Dijon mustard can be used but will slightly alter the flavor profile.
What other American dishes pair well with Honey Buffalo Ribs?
Serve them with classic sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich glaze.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Honey Buffalo Ribs?
Common errors include over‑seasoning with salt, not searing the ribs before slow cooking, and letting the glaze boil too hard, which can cause bitterness. Follow the recommended sear time and keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.
Why does this Honey Buffalo Ribs recipe use a low‑heat oven sear before slow cooking instead of direct slow‑cooking alone?
The initial high‑heat sear creates a caramelized crust that locks in flavor and prevents the ribs from becoming soggy in the slow cooker. It also develops the deep color and texture that a pure slow‑cook method lacks.
Can I make Honey Buffalo Ribs ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to two days ahead and keep the seasoned ribs refrigerated. After cooking, store the ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything focuses on wing‑centric recipes, creative sauces, and finger‑food dishes ranging from classic buffalo wings to inventive rib and chicken variations, all presented with a casual, home‑cook vibe.
How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to American wing and rib recipes differ from other cooking channels?
All Wings Everything emphasizes bold, sauce‑forward flavors and often combines traditional wing sauces with unexpected sweet elements, like honey and apricot, delivering quick, shareable dishes that prioritize flavor over complex techniques.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
