Description
These Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke are tender, flavorful ribs cooked low and slow with a sweet and tangy cherry cola marinade. Infused with spices and a homemade barbecue sauce, this recipe ensures juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs perfect for an easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs and Seasoning
- 3 pounds baby back ribs
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce and Marinade
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (divided)
- 2 cups cherry cola
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup maraschino cherry juice
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better texture and seasoning penetration. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Season the ribs: Combine garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of the barbecue sauce, cherry cola, light brown sugar, and maraschino cherry juice until well combined.
- Cook in slow cooker: Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker. Pour the cola and barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the ribs. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Finish with barbecue sauce: After cooking, carefully remove ribs and brush with the remaining ½ cup barbecue sauce. For an optional caramelized finish, broil ribs in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and slightly charred.
- Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then cut into portions and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from ribs greatly improves tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Broiling after slow cooking adds a delicious glaze but is optional.
- Use cherry cola for a unique sweet and slightly tart flavor that complements the barbecue sauce.
- Leftover ribs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
