Description
Dr Pepper Ribs are sweet, smoky, and fall-off-the-bone tender thanks to a flavorful marinade made with the iconic soda. Perfect for grilling or oven-baking, these ribs deliver a unique twist on a barbecue favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 2 cups Dr Pepper soda
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (hickory or honey flavored)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Remove membrane from back of ribs and pat dry.
- Mix brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a dry rub.
- Rub spice mix all over ribs and place in a large dish or zip-top bag.
- Pour Dr Pepper over ribs to partially submerge. Cover and marinate in fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Transfer ribs and some marinade to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
- Remove foil, brush ribs with barbecue sauce, and return to oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, or broil until caramelized.
- Alternatively, finish on the grill over medium heat, brushing with sauce and turning until sticky and slightly charred.
Notes
- Add a splash of bourbon for extra depth.
- Use cayenne or hot sauce for spicier ribs.
- Cherry or cola soda can substitute Dr Pepper.
- Cook in Instant Pot for 25 minutes as a time-saving option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 rack
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
