If you have a hankering for tender, fall-apart pork that’s bursting with a unique, sweet, and smoky flavor, you absolutely need to try this Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe. Using the fizzy soda as a marinade and cooking companion, these ribs soak up a subtle caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy BBQ sauce. Whether you’re planning a weekend get-together or just want to treat yourself to some seriously delicious ribs, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. From the pork ribs themselves to the combination of spices and sauce, every element is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the final dish.
- 4.5 pounds country style pork ribs: These tender, meaty ribs are perfect for slow cooking and soaking up flavor.
- 2 12-ounce cans Dr Pepper soda (divided): Adds a subtle sweetness and slight caramel notes to the ribs.
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce: Provides that classic smoky, tangy layer to coat the ribs.
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke: Boosts the smoky flavor, giving the ribs that outdoor grill taste without firing up the barbecue.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a punch of savory aroma and depth to the sauce mix.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Brings just the right amount of spicy warmth to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Slow Cook the Ribs
Start by pouring one can of Dr Pepper soda directly over the pork ribs in your slow cooker. This soda acts as a sweet, fizzy base that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with subtle flavor as it cooks low and slow—7 hours on low or 4 hours on high will do the trick. This hands-off step is where the magic begins, turning tough ribs into tender bites that will melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Setup
Once the ribs are cooked through, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the ribs, helping them caramelize beautifully when baked with the sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and half a cup of the remaining Dr Pepper soda. This sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory notes. The addition of liquid smoke enhances that backyard barbecue vibe, and the soda keeps the sauce luscious and sticky.
Step 4: Brush and Bake the Ribs
Carefully transfer the ribs from the slow cooker onto the wire rack. Then, generously brush the ribs with the sauce mixture. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes to let the sauce set and develop a sticky glaze.
Step 5: Flip, Brush, and Finish Baking
Flip the ribs over and brush the other side with more sauce. Pop them back in the oven for another 15 minutes, allowing both sides to caramelize and develop that irresistible, lipsmacking crust.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve your ribs hot with the remaining sauce drizzled on top. Each bite will have you smacking your lips and reaching for more—it’s that good!
How to Serve Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe presentation, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. These fresh garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the rich flavors of the ribs.
Side Dishes
These ribs pair incredibly well with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or smoky baked beans. A crisp green salad or tangy pickles bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ribs on a wooden board with small bowls of extra Dr Pepper BBQ sauce for dipping. Alternatively, turn leftovers into sliders or shredded pork tacos with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to mix up the vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic next-day treat or quick dinner.
Freezing
If you want to keep the ribs longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly wrapped, the ribs can last up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover Dr Pepper ribs is in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover them loosely with foil to retain moisture and warm for about 15-20 minutes, brushing on some extra sauce halfway through to keep that sticky glaze alive.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of soda instead of Dr Pepper?
Absolutely! While Dr Pepper offers a unique blend of spices and sweetness that’s perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with cola or root beer. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly.
Do I need a slow cooker to make these ribs?
The slow cooker is key for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs without much effort. However, you could adapt the recipe for the oven by baking ribs covered in soda and finishing with the sauce, but it won’t be quite as effortless.
Is liquid smoke necessary?
Liquid smoke really enhances the smoky barbecue flavor and is highly recommended, especially if you’re not grilling the ribs. You can omit it but your ribs will have a less intense smoky character.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add some cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture to bring some heat to your ribs without overpowering the sweet and smoky flavors.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs should be tender and easy to pull apart after slow cooking. If you can easily pierce them with a fork and the meat pulls away from the bone, they are perfectly cooked and ready for the oven finish.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably special about this Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe—it’s a warm hug of sweetness, smoke, and spice that comes together so effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving a delicious meal at home, these ribs are sure to become one of your favorites. Give them a try and watch your taste buds dance with delight!
Print
Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful country style pork ribs slow-cooked in Dr. Pepper soda, then finished in the oven with a smoky, garlicky BBQ sauce for a deliciously sticky glaze. This recipe yields perfectly juicy ribs with a unique sweet and smoky taste, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Ribs
- 4.5 pounds country style pork ribs
- 1 can (12 ounces) Dr. Pepper soda (for slow cooking)
- 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper soda (for sauce)
Sauce
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slow Cook the Ribs: In the slow cooker, pour 1 can of Dr. Pepper soda over the ribs to create a flavorful braising liquid. Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours or on high for about 4 hours, allowing the ribs to become tender.
- Prepare Oven and Rack: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drips. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to elevate the ribs for even baking.
- Make the BBQ Glaze: In a bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1/2 cup of Dr. Pepper soda. This will be used to brush the ribs before baking, adding a rich smoky flavor.
- Transfer and Glaze: Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on the wire rack. Brush the ribs generously with the prepared BBQ glaze.
- Bake the Ribs: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize. Carefully flip the ribs, brush again with the sauce, and bake for an additional 15 minutes to develop a sticky, flavorful coating.
- Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven and serve hot, accompanied by any remaining BBQ glaze for dipping or extra flavor.
Notes
- Using Dr. Pepper in the slow cooker helps tenderize the ribs and infuses them with a unique sweet flavor.
- Cooking the ribs low and slow before finishing in the oven ensures tenderness and a crispy glaze.
- Be sure to line your baking sheet to make cleanup easier due to sticky sauces.
- You can adjust the amount of liquid smoke based on your preference for smokiness.
- Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
