Tender, smoky, and irresistibly sticky, these Ribs with Cherry Cola Barbecue Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next cookout or cozy dinner. Slow-baked to fall-off-the-bone perfection, these pork ribs are generously coated in a homemade barbecue sauce that’s equal parts tangy, sweet, and savory, thanks to the unique addition of cherry cola. A tantalizing blend of spices—paprika, garlic powder, and a kick of cayenne—infuses every bite with bold flavor, while caramelization on the grill or under the broiler adds a smoky charred finish. Perfect for summer barbecues or game-day feasts, these saucy ribs are served with extra cherry cola barbecue sauce to ensure every finger-licking bite is unforgettable.
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Using a sharp knife, remove the silver membrane from the back of the rib racks for better flavor and tenderness.
Mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
Wrap each rack of ribs in aluminum foil, sealing tightly to lock in the moisture. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet.
Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours, or until they are tender and the bones pull away easily from the meat.
While the ribs are baking, make the cherry cola barbecue sauce. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the cherry cola, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Whisk everything together, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them. Brush a generous amount of the cherry cola barbecue sauce over both sides of each rack.
Grill or broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce as needed, until slightly charred and caramelized.
Slice the ribs into individual portions and serve with any remaining barbecue sauce on the side.
Calories |
1039 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.6 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 15520 mg | 675% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 158.4 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 131.9 g | ||
| Protein | 22.7 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 136 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 712 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.