Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe
Introduction
Dr Pepper Ribs offer a delightful twist on classic pork ribs, combining sweet and smoky flavors with a hint of soda-infused tenderness. Slow-cooked to perfection and finished in the oven, these ribs are juicy, flavorful, and sure to impress at any meal.
Ingredients
- 4.5 pounds country style pork ribs
- 2 (12 ounce) cans Dr. Pepper soda, divided
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In the slow cooker, pour 1 can of Dr. Pepper soda over the ribs.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours or on high for about 4 hours until ribs are tender.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Step 4: Place a wire rack on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: In a bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper to create the glaze.
- Step 6: Transfer the ribs from the slow cooker to the wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Step 7: Brush the ribs generously with the prepared sauce and bake for 15 minutes.
- Step 8: Flip the ribs, brush again with sauce, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Step 9: Serve the ribs hot, accompanied by any remaining sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.
- If you don’t have liquid smoke, smoked paprika can provide a similar flavor.
- To enhance tenderness, marinate ribs in Dr. Pepper and spices overnight before slow cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs reach an internal temperature of 190°F for optimal tenderness.
Storage
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, brushing with extra BBQ sauce to maintain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ribs?
Yes, baby back ribs or spare ribs can be used, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut and thickness.
Is Dr. Pepper soda necessary for this recipe?
Dr. Pepper adds a unique sweetness and flavor complexity, but you can substitute with another cola or root beer if desired, though the taste will differ slightly.
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Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Dr Pepper Ribs are tender, flavorful, and infused with a unique sweetness from the iconic soda. Slow cooked to perfection and finished in the oven with a smoky, garlicky BBQ sauce, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic country style pork ribs that’s perfect for an easy dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4.5 pounds country style pork ribs
- 2 (12 ounce) cans Dr. Pepper soda, divided
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Place the country style pork ribs in the slow cooker. Pour 1 can of Dr. Pepper soda evenly over the ribs to help infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Slow cook the ribs: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook the ribs on low heat for about 7 hours, or choose high heat to cook for approximately 4 hours until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Preheat oven: While the ribs finish in the slow cooker, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and place a wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the remaining Dr. Pepper soda. Stir well to blend all flavors into a rich, smoky sauce perfect for glazing.
- Transfer ribs and apply sauce: Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on the wire rack set on the baking sheet. Brush the ribs generously with the prepared BBQ and Dr. Pepper glaze.
- Bake and glaze: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip the ribs over, brush the other side with the sauce, and bake for another 15 minutes. This final step caramelizes the glaze and adds a delicious, sticky finish.
- Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven and serve hot with any remaining sauce on the side for dipping or additional brushing.
Notes
- For best results, use country style pork ribs, which are meatier and work well with slow cooking.
- Liquid smoke adds authentic smoky flavor without needing a grill or smoker.
- Make sure to use Dr. Pepper soda to achieve the characteristic sweet and subtle spice flavor; do not substitute with other sodas.
- The slow cooker tenderizes the ribs, while the oven finish gives them a perfect caramelized crust.
- Leftover ribs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and re-heated gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dr Pepper ribs, slow cooker ribs, country style ribs, BBQ ribs, pork ribs recipe, slow cooked pork ribs, sweet and smoky ribs
