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Slow Cooker BBQ Rib Tips with a Chicago-Style Finish Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

This recipe for Rib Tips offers a flavorful and tender way to enjoy spare ribs cut into bite-sized pieces, dry rubbed with a blend of spices and finished with a rich, bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. The rib tips can be cooked either by grilling or baking, making it versatile for different cooking preferences. The Chicago-style finish with a sticky, caramelized sauce ensures a mouthwatering result perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal.

  • Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 45 minutes to 15 hours (including marinating and cooking)
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

Rib Tips

  • 4-5 lbs rib tips (1 1/2-2 inch pieces) or spare ribs cut into 1 1/2-2 inch pieces

Dry Rub

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp mustard powder
  • Oil cooking spray

Final Basting Sauce

  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp bourbon or apple juice
  • 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 tsp liquid smoke (optional, recommended if baking)
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Rib Tips: Remove any membrane or excess fat from the rib tips. If using whole spare ribs, remove the membrane bone-side up and cut the rib tip strip (cartilage-heavy) into 2-inch chunks, or chop the entire slab into 2–3 inch pieces. Pat dry thoroughly using paper towels.
  2. Make Dry Rub: In a plastic bag, combine brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cumin, chili powder, and mustard powder. Shake until well mixed.
  3. Apply Dry Rub: Line a large baking sheet with non-stick foil, place the rib tips on it. Spray or lightly coat the rib tips with oil, then massage the dry rub evenly over all sides. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to marinate.
  4. Grill Rib Tips (Optional): Preheat grill and oil the grates well. Place ribs bone-side down over indirect heat. Cover and grill for 1 ½ hours, then flip and grill another 1 ½ hours. Check regularly to avoid burning and ensure ribs stay off direct flames. Continue grilling up to 30 minutes more if not tender. Aim for 190–220°F internal temperature for probe tenderness.
  5. Bake Rib Tips (Alternative): Preheat oven to 300°F. Bake rib tips covered for 2 ½ hours. Check tenderness and bake additional 30-45 minutes if needed until ribs reach 190–220°F and are very tender. Drain excess fat.
  6. Prepare Basting Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, bourbon or apple juice, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke (if baking), cayenne pepper, and butter. Warm over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until sugar dissolves. Add water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Finish Rib Tips: After cooking, let rib tips rest 10 minutes, then toss in the warm sauce to coat fully.
  8. Caramelize Sauce: For oven: Preheat oven to 375–400°F and spread sauced ribs on a foil-lined sheet. Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until sauce thickens and caramelizes. For grill: Place ribs over indirect heat uncovered and cook similarly, stirring occasionally to caramelize sauce.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let caramelized ribs rest about 10 minutes for juices to settle before serving. Enjoy your tender, flavorful rib tips!

Notes

  • Removing the membrane from ribs improves tenderness and flavor absorption.
  • Marinating for at least 6 hours or overnight intensifies the seasoning.
  • Keep ribs away from direct heat on the grill to prevent burning and drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for the ideal tenderness temperature of 190–220°F.
  • Liquid smoke is recommended if baking to add a smoky flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to preference.
  • Resting the ribs after cooking allows juices to redistribute for juicier meat.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 6-12 hours marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 3 hours grilling or 3 to 3.5 hours baking plus 20-30 minutes finishing
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/slow-cooker-bbq-rib-tips-with-a-chicago-style-finish-recipe/