Crock Pot Venison Ribs

This Crock Pot Venison Ribs recipe is smoky and tender, which uses a homemade BBQ rub and rich barbecue sauce for bold, gamey flavor. It’s a slow-cooked wild game recipe finished on the grill for a perfect char, ready in about 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Crock Pot Venison Ribs Ingredients

Ribs:

• 1 rack venison ribs, cut into 3–4 rib sections
• Water or stock to cover

BBQ Rub

• ½ cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup chili powder
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 2 tablespoons oregano
• ½ cup brown sugar

BBQ Sauce

• 2 cups ketchup
• 4 tablespoons BBQ rub (from above)
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ⅓ cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ tablespoons liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

How To Make Crock Pot Venison Ribs

1. Prepare the rub and sauce: Mix BBQ rub ingredients in a bowl. For BBQ sauce, whisk together ketchup, BBQ rub, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, molasses, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cut the ribs: Using a hacksaw or bone saw, cut venison rib rack into 4–6 inch strips, then divide into 3–4 rib sections.
3. Slow cook the ribs: Place ribs in crock pot and cover with water or stock. Cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 6–8 hours until tender but not falling apart.
4. Cool and season: Remove ribs, let cool slightly, then coat generously with BBQ rub.
5. Grill and glaze: Grill ribs over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning to char evenly. Brush with BBQ sauce and grill 1–2 minutes more to caramelize. Serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Can I skip the grill step? Yes, but grilling adds a smoky finish and caramelized flavor.
• How to make the ribs spicier: Add extra cayenne or chipotle powder to the rub.
• Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce? Absolutely, but homemade sauce gives better flavor control.
• What if my ribs are very gamey? Soak them in salted water or buttermilk for a few hours before cooking to mellow the flavor.
• Can I make this recipe with pork ribs? Yes, but reduce cooking time since pork is more tender than venison.

What To Serve With Venison Ribs

These ribs pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides like:

• Cornbread
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Grilled vegetables

How To Store Venison Ribs

Refrigerate: Store cooked ribs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or grill.

Venison Ribs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I cook venison ribs in the Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes, then finish on the grill.

Do I have to use both rub and sauce?
No, you can use just the rub or just the sauce, but together they add maximum flavor.

How do I keep venison ribs from drying out?
Slow cooking in liquid keeps them moist; avoid overcooking on the grill.

Can I make the BBQ rub ahead of time?
Yes, it stores in an airtight container for up to a month.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Canned Venison
• Crock Pot Venison Sausage
• Crock Pot Apple Venison