Cherry Cola Ribs Recipe

Cook Time: 240 minutes

This recipe results in tender, juicy ribs with a smoky and slightly sweet cherry cola glaze. Perfect for a weekend BBQ or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

• Dry Rub:
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Wet Rub:
  • 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cherry cola
• Ribs and Sauce:
  • 1 (3-pound) rack of baby back ribs, membrane removed
  • 1 cups cherry cola
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the dry rub by whisking together kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the wet rub by whisking together mustard, apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of cherry cola in another small bowl. Set this aside as well.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 250F (120C). Line a sheet pan with a large piece of foil, ensuring it extends at least 6 inches beyond the rack of ribs on both sides. Use heavy-duty foil for best results.

Step 4: Place the ribs on the foil, meat side up. Brush the wet rub generously over the top and sides of the ribs. Sprinkle about 60% of the dry rub over the ribs.

Step 5: Flip the ribs over so the bone side is facing up. Brush with the remaining wet rub and then apply the rest of the dry rub. Reserve any leftover wet rub for later.

Step 6: Center the ribs on the foil. Fold the foil edges up around the ribs like a boat, crimping the edges to seal them in, but it doesnt need to be airtight.

Step 7: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2 hours. Once done, carefully open the foil and pour off the accumulated juices into a saucepan.

Step 8: Turn the ribs over so the meat side is facing up again. Brush with the reserved wet rub. Close the foil and continue roasting at 250F (120C) for 1 more hour.

Step 9: While the ribs are cooking, make the sauce by combining the juices you reserved from the foil, the remaining wet rub, cherry cola, ketchup, and black pepper in the saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until the liquid reduces by half. Lower the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens to the consistency of barbecue sauce. Once thickened, remove from heat.

Step 10: After the ribs have cooked for 1 hour at 250F, remove them from the oven. Open the foil and press it flat to line the pan. Increase the oven temperature to 300F (150C). Brush the ribs with the prepared sauce.

Step 11: Return the ribs to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Repeat this process, brushing the ribs with sauce every 15 minutes, until the ribs are tender and the meat easily comes off the bone, about 1 more hour.

Step 12: Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice between each rib. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Chef's Tips

Heres a simple trick to check if your ribs are done: during one of the basting stages near the end of cooking, lift the center of the rack with tongs. If the ends droop, theyre nearly done. If the rack stays stiff, they need more time. If the rack breaks in the middle, theyre overcooked.

If you prefer a different flavor, try experimenting with other sodas like root beer or ginger ale for the glaze.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	105
Total Fat	6g (8% DV)
Saturated Fat	2g (10% DV)
Cholesterol	22mg (7% DV)
Sodium	435mg (19% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	7g (2% DV)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1% DV)
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	6g (13% DV)
Calcium	18mg (1% DV)
Iron	0mg (2% DV)
Potassium	97mg (2% DV)

History of Cherry Cola Ribs

The combination of cola and ribs may seem unconventional at first, but it's a delicious fusion of Southern American BBQ tradition and modern culinary experimentation. This dish has evolved from the classic BBQ techniques, where soft drinks like cola were initially used to tenderize the meat. Cherry cola, with its unique fruity undertones, adds a sweet and tangy twist to the recipe, becoming an integral part of modern American BBQ. This twist was likely popularized in the 21st century by creative home chefs and BBQ enthusiasts who sought to infuse more flavor into their cooking with familiar, yet exciting ingredients.

Regional Variations

While Cherry Cola Ribs are not tied to one specific region, they represent a fusion of American BBQ styles, particularly the sweet and smoky flavors characteristic of the Midwest and the South. Traditional BBQ ribs in the U.S. often involve slow cooking and a variety of sauces or marinades. In the Midwest, sweet flavors such as honey or cola have been used in rib preparations to enhance the meats tenderness and add a caramelized finish. The use of cherry cola, specifically, gives the ribs a distinct flavor that combines the sweetness of cola with the tartness of cherries, offering a unique alternative to the traditional ketchup-based BBQ sauces often found in Southern cuisine.

What Makes Cherry Cola Ribs Unique

Cherry Cola Ribs stand out because of their unique ingredient combination. Traditional BBQ ribs are often flavored with vinegar-based or tomato-based sauces, while Cherry Cola Ribs incorporate soda as a cooking medium, which is rare in many traditional BBQ recipes. The cherry cola not only helps tenderize the meat but also adds a layer of sweet complexity that isnt found in other rib recipes. The addition of smoked paprika and mustard in the rub further enhances the flavor profile, making it a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy dish all in one. The method of slow cooking the ribs in foil also helps lock in moisture and infuses the ribs with all the flavors of the rub and sauce.

Where Cherry Cola Ribs Are Typically Served

Cherry Cola Ribs are typically served at BBQ gatherings, family dinners, and special occasions such as holidays and summer cookouts. In the United States, these ribs are often a hit at outdoor BBQs, where they pair perfectly with classic side dishes like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. Due to their unique flavor, they can also be found at more innovative or fusion-style BBQ joints, where chefs experiment with classic American flavors and unexpected ingredients. Youll find this dish especially popular at family-oriented cookouts, summer parties, and food festivals.

Interesting Facts About Cherry Cola Ribs

• The combination of cola and ribs is not a new concept, but cherry cola adds an extra layer of flavor not typically found in traditional recipes.
• The use of soda in cooking dates back to the mid-20th century, when cooks began using carbonated beverages to tenderize and flavor meats. Cherry cola, specifically, is a more recent twist on this technique.
• The sweetness of the cherry cola balances out the savory spices in the rub, creating a harmonious flavor that appeals to a broad range of palates.
• In addition to cherry cola, some variations of this recipe use different sodas like root beer or Dr. Pepper, each providing a distinct flavor profile.
• This dish is a perfect example of American culinary creativity, where traditional flavors meet modern twists in a fun and delicious way.

FAQ about Cherry Cola Ribs Recipe

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