Print

Flavorful Baby Back Ribs Recipe with Cola Brown Sugar Rub Made Easy

baby back ribs recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers juicy, tender baby back ribs with a smoky, sweet, and tangy cola brown sugar rub. Perfect for backyard cookouts, it balances flavor and ease with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds each), trimmed of excess fat and membrane removed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cola soda (regular or diet)
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well.
  3. Lightly brush both sides of the ribs with olive oil, then generously coat with the cola brown sugar rub. Press the rub into the meat and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat grill or smoker to 225°F (107°C) for low and slow cooking. If using a grill, set up for indirect heat and add soaked wood chips.
  5. Place ribs meat-side up on grill grates away from direct flames. Close lid and smoke for 2 hours, maintaining steady temperature.
  6. Remove ribs and wrap each rack tightly in foil, adding 1/4 cup (60 ml) cola and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar inside the foil.
  7. Place wrapped ribs back on grill for another 1 hour to tenderize.
  8. Unwrap ribs and place back on grill for 30 minutes to develop a sticky, caramelized crust, basting occasionally with cola and brown sugar glaze.
  9. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Notes

Remove the membrane for tenderness. Use indirect heat and soaked wood chips for smoke flavor. Maintain steady low temperature (225°F). Let ribs rest after cooking for juicy results. Rub can be prepared ahead and stored up to 2 weeks. For less smoky flavor, reduce wood chips. Variations include using root beer or cherry soda instead of cola, or adding chipotle powder for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby back ribs, cola brown sugar rub, grilled ribs, smoky ribs, backyard cookout, easy ribs recipe, tender ribs, barbecue ribs

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/flavorful-baby-back-ribs-recipe-with-cola-brown-sugar-rub-made-easy/