Cola ribs are a flavorful and tender dish that combines the sweetness of cola with savory barbecue flavors. Here’s how you can make them:
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 3-4 pounds total)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cola (such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi)
– 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the racks of pork ribs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned ribs to the skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove the ribs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
5. Add the cola, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Return the seared ribs to the skillet, meaty side down, and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
7. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8. Bake the ribs in the oven for 2-2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bones.
9. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and carefully transfer the ribs to a serving platter.
10. Spoon the remaining sauce from the skillet over the ribs, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
11. Serve the cola ribs hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy these delicious and flavorful cola ribs, which are sure to be a hit at any barbecue or gathering!