Dr Pepper Ribs

Total Time Prep: 15 min. + marinating Bake: 1 hour 55 min.
Yield 8 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
These beautifully sweet and saucy ribs are marinated in Dr Pepper overnight, tenderizing the pork and adding a subtle soda flavor that pairs well with the spices in the homemade rub. They're baked low and slow, then finished with a Dr Pepper and barbecue sauce glaze.

Ingredients

  • 6 pounds pork baby back ribs, cut into 8 pieces
  • 2 liters Dr Pepper, divided
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce

Directions

  1. Arrange ribs in a large shallow dish. Add Dr Pepper, reserving 1/4 cup; turn to coat. Refrigerate remaining Dr Pepper. Cover and refrigerate ribs 8 hours or overnight. Drain ribs, discarding marinade.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder and salt; rub over ribs. Place ribs in a shallow roasting pan, bone side down. Bake, covered tightly with foil, until tender, 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
  3. Combine barbecue sauce and remaining 1/4 cup Dr Pepper. Brush half the sauce over ribs. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until ribs are glazed, brushing occasionally with remaining sauce.

Nutrition Facts

5 ounces cooked pork: 530 calories, 32g fat (11g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 844mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.

These beautifully sweet and saucy ribs marinate in Dr Pepper overnight, which tenderizes the pork and adds a subtle soda flavor that pairs well with the spices in the homemade rub. After they bake low and slow, the ribs are finished with a Dr Pepper and barbecue sauce glaze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Recipe Creator

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