Description
These Dr Pepper Ribs are tender, flavorful baby back ribs cooked low and slow in the oven with a sweet and spicy rub and infused with the unique flavor of Dr Pepper soda. They are finished on the grill with a sticky Dr Pepper barbecue glaze that caramelizes perfectly for a mouthwatering main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs and Rub
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking Liquid
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup Dr Pepper (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prep the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it hasn’t already been removed. This helps the ribs become more tender and allows the flavors to penetrate better.
- Make the rub and season: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Prepare for baking: Place the ribs in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Pour the can of Dr Pepper around the ribs, but not on top so the rub stays in place. Cover the pan tightly with foil to seal in moisture.
- Bake the ribs: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the covered ribs for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Make the glaze: While the ribs bake, combine the barbecue sauce and 1/2 cup Dr Pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Preheat the grill: Once ribs are tender, remove from the oven and preheat your grill to medium-high heat to finish off the ribs with caramelization.
- Glaze and grill the ribs: Brush the ribs generously with the Dr Pepper barbecue glaze. Grill them for 5 to 7 minutes per side, basting often with more glaze, until they develop a caramelized, slightly charred exterior.
- Serve: Slice the ribs between the bones and serve hot, enjoying the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, you can finish the ribs under the broiler for 3–5 minutes to achieve caramelization.
- This recipe also works well with spare ribs or country-style ribs.
- For more intense flavor, marinate the ribs in Dr Pepper overnight before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
