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:
Cola ribs are a mouthwatering delight that combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue with the caramel notes of cola, resulting in tender, flavorful ribs that practically fall off the bone. This recipe transforms humble pork ribs into a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for gatherings, cookouts, or simply indulging in a delicious meal at home.
To begin, gather your ingredients, which typically include pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs), cola, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, spices (such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper), and optional garnishes like chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Start by prepping your ribs: remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, trim any excess fat, and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure that the flavors penetrate the meat more effectively during cooking.
Next, season the ribs generously with your spice rub, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides. The spice rub adds layers of flavor to the ribs, complementing the sweetness of the cola and barbecue sauce.
Now, it’s time to cook the ribs. Place them in a large baking dish or roasting pan, then pour cola over the ribs until they’re partially submerged. The cola serves as a tenderizing agent, helping to break down the connective tissue in the ribs and imparting a subtle sweetness to the meat.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the ribs in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 275°F or 135°C) for several hours, until the meat is tender and cooked through. This slow, low-temperature cooking method ensures that the ribs become incredibly tender and flavorful, allowing the cola and spice rub to work their magic.
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully drain off any excess liquid. Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce, then return them to the oven (uncovered) or finish them on the grill for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce and add a smoky finish.
Finally, serve your cola ribs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and flavor. Pair them with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans, and enjoy the irresistible combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.
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!