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Flavorful Cherry Cola Glazed Baby Back Ribs

cherry cola glazed baby back ribs - featured image
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Tender baby back ribs glazed with a sticky, sweet cherry cola sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. Perfect for quick, crowd-pleasing BBQ meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 full rack baby back ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds or 900–1100 grams)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cherry cola (e.g., Coca-Cola or Pepsi)
  • ½ cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ribs: Remove the silver skin from the back of the baby back ribs using a knife and paper towel for grip (about 10 minutes).
  2. Season the ribs: Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili flakes if using. Let sit at room temperature while preparing the glaze (5 minutes).
  3. Make the cherry cola glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cherry cola, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer and cook until thickened and reduced by half, about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning (15 minutes).
  4. Preheat oven or grill: Set oven to 275°F (135°C) or prepare grill for indirect medium heat (5 minutes).
  5. Cook the ribs: Place ribs bone side down on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Roast in oven or place on cooler side of grill for 2 to 2.5 hours until tender but not falling apart.
  6. Apply the glaze: Brush a generous layer of glaze over ribs. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) or move ribs to direct heat on grill. Cook an additional 10 minutes, brushing more glaze halfway through until sticky and caramelized.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove ribs from heat, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice between bones and serve with leftover glaze.

Notes

Avoid applying glaze during the entire cook to prevent burning sugars; apply only in the last 10 minutes. Remove silver skin for tender ribs. Low and slow cooking is key for tenderness. If glaze thickens too much, add water or cherry cola to loosen before brushing.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry cola ribs, baby back ribs, BBQ ribs, sticky sweet glaze, cherry cola glaze, easy ribs recipe, summer barbecue, quick ribs

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/flavorful-cherry-cola-glazed-baby-back-ribs-best-sticky-sweet-glaze-recipe/