Print

Easy Oven-Baked Ribs with Cola Barbecue Sauce

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Easy Oven-Baked Ribs with Cola Barbecue Sauce are slow-cooked until tender, then coated in a sweet, tangy, smoky homemade sauce. A final blast of high heat creates a glossy, sticky coating with deliciously caramelized edges.

Ingredients

  • Pork baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
  • Brown sugar, for the rib rub
  • Smoked paprika, for the rib rub
  • Garlic powder, for the rib rub
  • Onion powder, for the rib rub
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper, for the rib rub
  • Cola
  • Ketchup
  • Brown sugar, for the barbecue sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Yellow mustard
  • Garlic powder, for the barbecue sauce
  • Onion powder, for the barbecue sauce
  • Smoked paprika, for the barbecue sauce
  • Black pepper, for the barbecue sauce
  • Cayenne pepper, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large baking sheet or roasting pan with aluminum foil.
  2. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if attached. Loosen one corner with a butter knife, grip it with a paper towel, and pull it away.
  3. Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper for the dry rub. Season both sides of the ribs generously.
  4. Place the ribs on the prepared pan and cover tightly with foil. Bake for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until tender and the meat has pulled back slightly from the ends of the bones.
  5. While the ribs bake, combine the cola, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper in a saucepan.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thick, glossy, and concentrated.
  7. When the ribs are tender, carefully remove the foil and generously brush the ribs with the cola barbecue sauce.
  8. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Bake the ribs uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, adding another layer of sauce during cooking if desired.
  9. For extra caramelization, broil the ribs for 2 to 3 minutes, watching constantly to prevent the sugary sauce from burning.
  10. Rest the ribs for about 10 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with additional cola barbecue sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Regular full-sugar cola is recommended because its sugar helps the barbecue sauce reduce and caramelize.
  • Baby back ribs are generally leaner, while St. Louis-style ribs are meatier and richer.
  • For spicier ribs, add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or additional chili powder.
  • For more smoky flavor, increase the smoked paprika or add a small amount of liquid smoke to the sauce.
  • Cherry cola can replace regular cola for a subtle fruity sweetness.
  • For a less-sweet, tangier sauce, reduce the brown sugar and increase the apple cider vinegar or mustard slightly.
  • For extra-sticky ribs, brush on several thin layers of sauce during the final baking stage, allowing each layer to caramelize briefly.
  • Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
  • Reheat covered with foil at 300°F (150°C) with additional barbecue sauce, then uncover for the final few minutes.
  • Cooked ribs can be frozen in tightly wrapped portions and thawed in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/easy-oven-baked-ribs-with-cola-barbecue-sauce/