If you’re craving something that combines rich, tender meat with a tantalizingly sweet and tangy sauce, the Juicy Slow-Cooked Cola BBQ Short Ribs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe transforms humble beef short ribs into a mouthwatering masterpiece by slow-cooking them in a luscious cola BBQ sauce that infuses every bite with deep flavor and incredible juiciness. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these ribs promise to deliver that sticky, finger-licking satisfaction you dream about when you think of classic barbecue done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Juicy Slow-Cooked Cola BBQ Short Ribs Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a pivotal role—whether enhancing the succulent texture of the beef, layering in bold flavors, or adding visual appeal. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience and unbelievably delicious results.
- 4 lbs boneless beef short ribs: Choose meaty, well-marbled ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the ribs so each bite bursts with savory richness.
- 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable/canola oil): Perfect for searing the ribs to lock in juices and build a deep crust.
- 1 batch Cola BBQ Sauce: The star of the show, this sweet and tangy sauce infuses the ribs with layers of complexity and irresistible aroma.
How to Make Juicy Slow-Cooked Cola BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cola BBQ Sauce
Begin by crafting or preparing your cola BBQ sauce—the heart of this Juicy Slow-Cooked Cola BBQ Short Ribs Recipe. Its sweet cola undertones balanced with tangy barbecue flavors transform each rib into a sensational bite. Let the sauce cool before using it to get the best results during cooking.
Step 2: Season and Rest the Short Ribs
Generously season your short ribs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step is key to enhancing the natural beef flavor. Letting the meat rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes allows the seasoning to penetrate and helps the ribs cook more evenly later.
Step 3: Sear the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the short ribs on all sides until they develop a rich, deep brown crust. This searing step locks in juices and adds that irresistible caramelized flavor that makes the ribs so crave-worthy.
Step 4: Braise the Short Ribs
Place the seared ribs in an oven-safe dish, then pour the cooled cola BBQ sauce over them, making sure they are well coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and let the ribs braise slowly for three hours until they become meltingly tender. After that, remove the foil and cook them uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to create slightly crisp, caramelized edges—this final touch elevates their texture and flavor beautifully.
How to Serve Juicy Slow-Cooked Cola BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich ribs perfectly. For a touch of brightness, a few lemon or lime wedges on the side can elevate every bite by cutting through the richness.
Side Dishes
The Juicy Slow-Cooked Cola BBQ Short Ribs Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread, or crisp coleslaw. These classic sides bring contrasting textures and flavors that highlight the tender ribs and soak up any extra sauce you can’t get enough of.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ribs between two rustic slices of bread for a BBQ rib sandwich, topped with pickles and slaw for added crunch and zing. Alternatively, plate them on a large wooden board alongside roasted vegetables and a fresh herb salad for an impressive, family-style feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ribs can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just make sure to save some of the sauce to keep the meat moist when reheating later.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked ribs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to three months without losing much of their signature tenderness and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the ribs in a low oven or on the stovetop with some reserved cola BBQ sauce to prevent drying out. Avoid harsh high heat to keep them juicy and tender as if freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in short ribs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in short ribs offer extra flavor during cooking, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to become tender.
Is it necessary to sear the ribs before baking?
Searing is highly recommended as it locks in juices and creates that beautiful crust that enhances the overall taste and texture of the ribs.
Can I substitute cola with another soda or ingredient?
While classic cola is preferred for its unique flavor, you can experiment with other sodas like root beer or ginger ale for different yet delicious results.
How long can I leave the ribs in the slow cooker instead of the oven?
You can braise ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours. Just be sure to finish them uncovered on the stove or oven briefly to develop that caramelized top.
What if I don’t have avocado oil?
No worries! Vegetable or canola oil works just as well for searing and will not affect the taste significantly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving the Juicy Slow-Cooked Cola BBQ Short Ribs Recipe a try—it’s the kind of dish that becomes a glorious weekend tradition. The effort is minimal, but the results are spectacular: tender, juicy ribs bursting with tantalizing cola-infused barbecue flavor. Once you taste these, they’ll easily become a cherished favorite to serve at any gathering or cozy dinner. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Juicy Slow-Cooked Cola BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef short ribs coated in a rich cola barbecue sauce. Slow-braised in the oven until meltingly tender with a slightly crisp top, these ribs are perfect for a comforting meal served with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw.
Ingredients
Cola BBQ Sauce
- 1 batch Cola BBQ Sauce (prepared separately)
Short Ribs
- 4 lbs boneless beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable/canola oil), as needed
Instructions
- Prep BBQ Sauce: Make the Cola BBQ sauce according to your preferred recipe and set it aside to cool before using.
- Season and Rest Ribs: Generously season the boneless beef short ribs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow them to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to enhance seasoning absorption.
- Sear Ribs: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches until they are deeply browned on all sides, which helps to develop flavor. Transfer the seared ribs to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Braise Short Ribs: Pour the cooled cola barbecue sauce over the ribs, making sure they are well coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and braise the ribs in the oven for 3 hours, or until the meat is meltingly tender.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the foil and continue cooking the ribs for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the top of the ribs to become slightly crisp and beautifully browned.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ short ribs immediately with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw. They also make a delicious filling for sandwiches between two pieces of bread.
Notes
- For best results, allow the ribs to rest at room temperature before searing to ensure even cooking.
- Searing the ribs well before braising locks in flavor and improves texture.
- Covering with foil during braising helps keep the ribs moist and tender.
- After braising, removing the foil and roasting helps develop a nice crust on top.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like coleslaw and cornbread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
