Description
These Dr Pepper Ribs are a tender, flavorful dish where baby back ribs are slow-cooked on the grill or baked in the oven and glazed with a rich, sweet, and tangy Dr Pepper-based sauce. The unique soda-infused glaze caramelizes beautifully, making these ribs a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, ideal for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
Dr Pepper Glaze
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper soda
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Glazing
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for glazing)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste, for seasoning ribs)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill or oven to 300°F (150°C). If using a grill, set it up for indirect heat to ensure slow cooking without burning.
- Prepare Ribs: Remove the silver skin from the ribs by sliding a knife under the membrane and peeling it off. This helps the ribs become more tender and allows flavors to permeate better.
- Make Dr Pepper Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine Dr Pepper, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency suitable for coating the ribs.
- Season Ribs: While the glaze is simmering, season the ribs generously with salt and pepper or your preferred dry rub to enhance the flavor.
- Cook Ribs: If using a grill, position the ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill and cover. Cook slowly for 2-3 hours until tender. If baking, place ribs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 2-2.5 hours until the meat is tender and cooked through.
- Glaze Ribs: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with the prepared Dr Pepper glaze and continue cooking. This allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully on the surface of the ribs.
- Rest and Serve: Remove ribs from the grill or oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the ribs and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the flavor even more.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs is crucial for tenderness and better flavor absorption.
- Cooking the ribs at a low temperature with indirect heat is key to achieving tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
- The Dr Pepper glaze provides a unique sweet and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with smoky ribs.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider using your favorite dry rub instead of just salt and pepper.
- Allow the ribs to rest after cooking for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
