Bbq Ribs With Cola Sauce Recipe

Get ready to experience BBQ ribs like never before! This recipe uses the surprisingly amazing sweetness of cola (or root beer/Dr. Pepper) to create a mouthwatering, caramel-like BBQ sauce that will have your ribs falling off the bone. We'll use a proven 3-2-1 method for ultimate tenderness, but feel free to adapt it to your favorite cooking style. A secret mustard paint adds incredible moisture and enhances the flavor without leaving a mustard taste. Prepare for unbelievably juicy, flavorful ribs that will be the star of your next barbecue!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 380 mins
Calories 172.4 kcal
Protein 5g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Bbq Ribs With Cola Sauce

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Bbq Ribs With Cola Sauce

  • Baby Back Rib Racks
  • Wood Chips
  • Prepared Yellow Mustard
  • Cider Vinegar
  • Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Paprika
  • Garlic Salt
  • Onion Salt
  • Celery Salt
  • Seasoning Salt
  • Chili Powder
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • Lemon Pepper
  • Mustard Powder
  • Rubbed Sage
  • Garlic Granules
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Ground Thyme
  • Allspice
  • 1 cup cola (or root beer/Dr. Pepper)
  • Ketchup
  • Hot Sauce
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper

How to Make Bbq Ribs With Cola Sauce

  1. Prepare the dry rub by combining all dry rub ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Pat the ribs dry and generously apply the dry rub to all surfaces.
  3. Apply a thin layer of mustard to the ribs; this acts as a binder for the rub and adds moisture.
  4. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil.
  5. Cook the ribs in a 275°F (135°C) oven or smoker for 3 hours (the '3' in the 3-2-1 method).
  6. Remove the ribs from the oven or smoker and unwrap them.
  7. In a saucepan, combine the cola, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  8. Pour the cola mixture over the ribs.
  9. Wrap the ribs in foil again.
  10. Return the ribs to the oven or smoker and cook for 2 hours (the '2' in the 3-2-1 method).
  11. Remove the ribs from the foil and place them on a baking sheet.
  12. Broil or grill the ribs for 1 hour (the '1' in the 3-2-1 method), basting with the remaining cola mixture every 15 minutes.
  13. If using additional BBQ sauce, baste the ribs generously during the last 15 minutes of broiling/grilling.
  14. Remove the ribs from the oven/smoker, let them rest for 10-15 minutes, then slice and serve.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

43 g

Sugar

134g

Fat

0g

Carbs

13g

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