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Dr Pepper Ribs

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These Dr Pepper ribs are slow-cooked until fall-apart tender and then glazed with a rich, sticky BBQ sauce infused with Dr Pepper, liquid smoke, and spices.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 lbs country-style pork ribs

2 cans (12 oz each) Dr Pepper, divided

1½ cups BBQ sauce (smoky and tangy style)

1 tsp liquid smoke

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp ground black pepper

Optional: turkey bacon strips for layering over ribs

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

    • Trim excess fat from the ribs.

    • Pat them dry with paper towels.

    • Optional: remove the silverskin (membrane) on the underside for maximum tenderness.

    Step 2: Slow Cook with Dr Pepper

    • Place ribs in a slow cooker in a single layer.

    • Pour 1 can (12 oz) of Dr Pepper over the ribs.

    • Cover and cook:

      • Low for 7 hours

      • High for 4 hours

    Step 3: Make the Dr Pepper Glaze

    • In a medium bowl, mix:

      • 1½ cups BBQ sauce

      • 1 tsp liquid smoke

      • 1 tsp garlic powder

      • ½ tsp ground black pepper

      • 1 can Dr Pepper (12 oz)

    • Whisk until smooth. This glaze will be used for basting.

    Step 4: Caramelize in the Oven

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

    • Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

    • Carefully transfer ribs from the slow cooker to the wire rack.

    • Brush generously with the prepared Dr Pepper glaze.

    • Bake for 15 minutes.

    • Flip the ribs, glaze again, and bake another 15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbling and slightly sticky.

Notes

    • Turkey bacon strips can be laid across the ribs in the slow cooker for added smoky flavor.

    • Choose a tangy BBQ sauce to balance the sweetness of the Dr Pepper.

    • If using Diet Dr Pepper, add 1 tbsp brown sugar to help with caramelization.

    • For extra crispiness, broil ribs for 2–3 minutes after baking—but watch closely to prevent burning.

    • The ribs are very tender, so handle gently when transferring from the slow cooker.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/dr-pepper-ribs/