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Slow Cooker Lemon Grass Ribs Sandwich

1

  • Prep Time35 min
  • Total Time1 h 15 min
  • Makes8 to 10 servings
*PLUS 8 hr cooking time
slow cooker lemon grass ribs sandwiches for a piece on the best summer slow cooker recipes to avoid using your stove

Photo, Erik Putz.

Chatelaine Triple Tested

Lemon grass ribs sliders can be prepped the night before: Put the slow cooker on before bed and proceed with the recipe when ready to serve.

Ingredients

  • 2 large stalks lemon grass

  • 3 shallots, peeled and quartered

  • 1 2-in. piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

  • 1 head garlic, peeled

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce

  • 2 tbsp hot chili-garlic sauce

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 2 racks pork back ribs, about 2 kg

  • 2 baguettes, cut into 2-in. pieces, or 16 to 20 bao buns

Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup white vinegar

  • 2 tbsp water

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1 1/2 cups carrots, cut into matchsticks

  • 1/2 cup pickled ginger, (optional)

  • 1/4 cup cilantro sprigs

  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed (optional)

Instructions

  • CUT off woody ends from lemon grass. Peel off dried outer layers, then pound with the blunt side of a knife to bruise. Thinly slice bottom third of stalks, discarding tops. Pulse lemon grass, shallots, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce and chili-garlic sauce in a food processor until it forms a loose paste.

  • CUT ribs into 3- to 5-rib portions to fit slow cooker insert. Sprinkle ribs with salt, then coat with lemon grass paste. Pour 2/3 cup water into slow cooker, then arrange ribs, meat-side up, overtop. Cook until meat is very tender, flipping ribs halfway, 8 hr on low or 5 hr on high.

  • GARNISHES: Boil vinegar, water, granulated sugar and salt in a small saucepan until sugar is dissolved, 2 to 3 min. Add carrots and let stand, stirring occasionally, 10 min. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

  • PREHEAT oven to 450F, then line a baking sheet with parchment. Transfer ribs to prepared sheet and sauce into a saucepan. Skim any fat, then bring to a boil over medium-high until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, 25 to 30 min. Spoon sauce over ribs to coat. Bake until ribs turn dark brown, about 10 min. Cut into 1-rib portions and transfer to a serving platter.

  • SERVE ribs in baguette pieces. Top with carrots, pickled ginger, cilantro, crushed peanuts and any extra sauce on the side to drizzle.

Chatelaine Quickies: Gourmet hot dogs

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 700, Protein 40g, Carbohydrates 85g, Fat 22g, Fibre 4g, Sodium 724mg.

Make-ahead tip: The night before, cook ribs in the slow cooker on low. Remove ribs, reduce sauce and refrigerate both. Bring ribs to room temperature, then proceed with recipe.

Get more of our best slow cooker recipes

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