Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and your preferred dry rub
Cut the ribs into sections if needed to fit the crock pot
Place sliced onions or garlic in the bottom of the crock pot if desired
Add a small amount of liquid such as broth, water, or barbecue sauce
Stand the ribs upright around the inside of the crock pot or stack them loosely
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours
Check for tenderness; the meat should pull away easily from the bone
Remove the ribs carefully and place them on a baking sheet
Brush with barbecue sauce if desired
Broil for 3 to 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce
Serve hot