🍖 Dr Pepper Ribs (Oven Recipe)
🧂 Ingredients:
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
- 2 cans (24 oz) Dr Pepper (not diet)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind; smoky or sweet varieties work well)
🔥 Instructions:
1. Prep the Ribs:
Remove the silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs for tenderness.
In a small bowl, mix the dry rub: brown sugar, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt.
Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs. Let them sit for 30 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 4 hours).
2. Dr Pepper Bath:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Place the ribs in a large roasting pan or deep baking dish. Pour 1 can (12 oz) of Dr Pepper around (not over) the ribs to keep them moist and infuse flavor.
Cover the dish tightly with foil.
3. Bake Low and Slow:
Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is very tender.
4. Dr Pepper BBQ Glaze:
While the ribs bake, make the glaze:
In a saucepan, combine the remaining 1 can of Dr Pepper and 1 cup BBQ sauce.
Simmer over medium heat for about 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until reduced and syrupy.
5. Glaze and Broil:
When ribs are tender, remove from oven and discard cooking liquid.
Brush ribs generously with the Dr Pepper glaze.
Broil on high for 5–7 minutes, until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes slightly. Watch closely to avoid burning.