Crock Pot Chinese Ribs - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 lbs country-style pork ribs (separated)
salt and pepper
SAUCE
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice or 2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 small onion, chopped
1 -2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
hot cooked rice

Preparation

In a bowl combine ketchup, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, five-spice powder, onion, ginger and garlic; pour into the slow-cooker.
Set oven heat to broil and set the rack 6 inches from heat source.
Season ribs with salt and pepper.
Place the ribs on a baking pan, then broil, turning once until browned (this should take about 10-12 minutes).
Transfer the ribs to the slow-cooker/crock pot; turn to coat with the sauce.
Cover the slow-cooker and cook on LOW heat for about 5-6 hours or until ribs are tender.
Transfer the ribs to a platter to keep warm.
Skim any fat from the top of the sauce.
Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, cook until reduced to about 1 cup.
In a small cup whisk 1 tablespoon water with 1 teaspoon cornstarch; add to the simmering sauce; simmer until thickened.
Pour the sauce over the ribs and serve.
Serve with cooked rice.