Can I use other types of ribs for this recipe?

Absolutely! St. Louis-style ribs or spare ribs work wonderfully in this recipe too. They're typically larger and meatier than baby backs, so you might need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high. Use a meat thermometer or check that the meat is pulling back from the bone to ensure they're done.

Why use cola in the recipe?

Cola isn't just for flavor—it's a cooking powerhouse! The acidity helps tenderize the meat by breaking down tough fibers, while the sugars caramelize beautifully during cooking. The subtle spices in cola also add complexity to the sauce that you can't get from sugar alone.

Can I make these ribs without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Wrap the seasoned ribs in foil packets with some of the sauce mixture, then bake at 300°F for about 2.5-3 hours until tender. Finish with the glaze and broiling steps as directed in the original recipe.

My sauce is too thin, what did I do wrong?

The key to a thick, glossy sauce is proper reduction. Make sure you're simmering (not just warming) the sauce mixture until it visibly thickens. If you're still having trouble, you can whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water and continue to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds baby back ribs; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 cups bbq sauce (divided); 2 cups cherry cola; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed); ⅓ cup maraschino cherry juice

Description

Tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs slow-cooked in a flavorful cherry cola mixture and brushed with a thick, sweet, and tangy glaze. These ribs are perfect for a barbecue-inspired dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Ribs:

3 pounds baby back ribs
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Sauce:

2 cups bbq sauce (divided)
2 cups cherry cola
2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice

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Instructions

Prepare the Ribs
Place the baby back ribs into a slow cooker. Lightly coat the bottom with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Season the Ribs
Sprinkle the garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika evenly over the ribs. Massage the seasonings into the meat to enhance the flavor.
Make the Sauce Base
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of barbecue sauce, cherry cola, brown sugar, and maraschino cherry juice. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth.
Cook the Ribs
Pour half the sauce mixture over the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker. Reserve the remaining sauce for later. Cook the ribs on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until they are tender.
Create the Glaze
In a saucepan or skillet, combine the reserved sauce mixture with the remaining 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking continuously, until the sauce thickens and becomes glazy—this should take about 10 minutes.
Broil and Finish
Remove the ribs carefully from the slow cooker and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush the thickened glaze evenly over the ribs. Place the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes until lightly caramelized. Serve immediately.

Notes

Trim the Inner Skin: Remove the thin silver skin on the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption. Use a paper towel to get a good grip for easy removal.
Non-Stick Tip: Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Test for Doneness: Ribs are tender and ready when they reach 190°F to 200°F internally.
Finish Strong: A quick broil caramelizes the sauce, adding a delicious, sticky coating.
Optional Flavor Variations: Add a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky barbecue feel, or experiment with spices like red pepper flakes for a kick.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 520kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 95mg