Preheat the broiler: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Carefully transfer the cooked ribs from the slow cooker to the foil-lined sheet, meaty side up. Spoon off any excess liquid if needed so they aren’t sitting in a puddle.
Glaze the ribs: Stir the reserved mustard-brown sugar mixture. If you want a thinner glaze, warm it for 10–15 seconds in the microwave. Brush it generously over the tops and sides of the ribs, creating an even, sticky coat.
Cooked ribs being brushed with glaze
Broil to caramelize: Place the pan on the top rack under the broiler. Broil for 3–6 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze is bubbling, glossy, and caramelized with a few charred edges. Rotate the pan once if needed for even browning. Do not walk away; the sugars can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Rest and serve: Let the ribs rest on the pan for about 5 minutes so the glaze sets into a sticky crust. Slice between the bones, pile onto a platter or serve right from the foil-lined sheet, and enjoy while hot.
Variations & Tips
For a slightly tangier rib, you can use half yellow mustard and half Dijon mustard, keeping the total mustard amount the same so it still counts as just one ingredient category. If your family likes more heat, add a small spoonful of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce into the mustard-brown sugar mix before cooking.
I do this for the grown-ups and leave a small rack plain for the kids. To make the glaze a bit smokier without adding extra ingredients, use a smoked yellow mustard if you can find it. These ribs also work well with country-style pork ribs; just check them a bit earlier, as they can cook faster.
Plated mustard glazed ribs with family-style sides
If you need to stretch the meal, shred leftover rib meat and warm it in any extra sauce from the slow cooker, then pile it onto buns for an easy next-day sandwich. For picky eaters who are nervous about sauce, leave a few ribs lightly coated in the slow cooker, then brush just a thin layer of glaze before broiling so they’re less messy and intense in flavor.
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