Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil over the ribs and
season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Slow-Cook in Dr Pepper
Place ribs in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Pour 1 can of Dr Pepper over the ribs,
cover tightly with foil, and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
Step 3: Prepare BBQ Glaze
While ribs are cooking, mix the barbecue sauce with the remaining 1 can of Dr Pepper in a small
saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
Remove ribs from the oven and discard excess liquid. Brush ribs generously with the Dr Pepper BBQ
glaze. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, basting once more,
until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Step 5: Serve
Slice ribs between the bones and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with
classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete meal.
Serving and Storage:
Serve ribs immediately for maximum tenderness and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight
container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain
moisture. For longer storage, ribs can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Use country-style ribs for meaty, tender results; baby back or spare ribs also work.
- Do not overbake initially; ribs should be tender but not falling apart before glazing.
- For extra caramelization, broil the glazed ribs for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Adjust spice levels in the rub or BBQ sauce to suit your taste.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Conclusion:
Dr Pepper Ribs are a flavorful and fun way to elevate classic barbecue ribs with a hint of sweetness
and rich, tangy glaze. Slow-cooked to tender perfection and finished with a sticky BBQ coating,
these ribs are perfect for any cookout, gathering, or family meal. Simple, delicious, and
sure to impress, they’re a must-try for any rib lover.
FAQ:
Can I make these ribs in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook ribs in a slow cooker with Dr Pepper on low for 6–7 hours, then finish under the broiler
with the BBQ glaze.
Can I use another soda?
Yes, cola or root beer works as a substitute for Dr Pepper, providing a similar sweet and rich flavor.
Are these ribs spicy?
They are mild by default, but you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the rub or BBQ glaze for extra heat.
How do I know when ribs are done?
Ribs are done when the meat is tender, pulls apart easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can slow-cook the ribs in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat with the glaze just before serving.
