Description
This Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke recipe delivers tender, flavorful ribs cooked low and slow with a touch of Coca-Cola for sweetness, finished under the broiler for a caramelized barbecue glaze. Perfect for an easy and delicious American main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs and Seasoning
- 3–4 lbs pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Cooking Liquid and Sauce
- 1 can (12 oz) Coca-Cola (not diet)
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if still attached to enhance tenderness and seasoning penetration. Season ribs generously all over with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Arrange ribs in slow cooker: Cut ribs into halves or thirds to fit your slow cooker. Layer them evenly inside the slow cooker.
- Add Coca-Cola and cook: Pour the 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola over the ribs. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Broil with barbecue sauce: Carefully remove ribs from the slow cooker—the meat will be very tender. Discard the cooking liquid. Brush the ribs generously with your chosen barbecue sauce and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Finish under the broiler: Broil the ribs in the oven on high for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the barbecue sauce is bubbly and caramelized without burning.
- Serve: Serve the ribs hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry cola or root beer for Coca-Cola for a unique flavor twist.
- For spicier ribs, mix a bit of hot sauce or chili powder into the barbecue sauce before broiling.
- Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs helps improve texture and allows seasonings to penetrate better.
- Watch the ribs carefully under the broiler to prevent the barbecue sauce from burning.
