Combining the rich flavors of tender, slow-cooked ribs with the sweet and tangy notes of Dr. Pepper soda, this dish is both unique and delicious. The unique marinade infuses the meat with a subtle sweetness while enhancing its natural savory flavors.
It’s pretty easy to whip up these Dr. Pepper Ribs, but there are a few things to be aware of. They do need to marinate in the soda for 24 hours to get the maximum flavor and texture benefit. You will be cooking these ribs in the oven, unless you’d rather cook them on the grill. But expect about a 2-hour cook time.

Helpful Tips
- Choose Quality Ribs: Opt for baby back ribs for their tenderness and flavor. Look for ribs with a good amount of meat and marbling for the best results. If you prefer, you can also use spare ribs, but adjust the cooking time as they may take longer to become tender.
- Marinate for Flavor: For the best flavor, allow the ribs to marinate overnight. This not only enhances the taste but also helps to tenderize the meat, making it even more succulent.
- Monitor the Broiling: When broiling the ribs, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The high heat can quickly caramelize the sauce, so it’s important to check frequently and remove them from the oven once they reach your desired level of caramelization.
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Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back pork ribs
- 3 cups Dr. Pepper or Coca Cola
- 1 cloves garlic
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke optional
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs. Place them in a shallow baking dish and pour 2 cups of the Dr. Pepper over the ribs. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- In a blender or food processor, mix the remaining soda, ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Reserve half for later.
- Preheat the oven to 225°F. Cover a large baking sheet with tin foil large enough to envelop the ribs.
- Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them on the baking sheet. Brush the ribs all over with half the sauce. Pull the foil around the ribs and create a sealed packet.
- Roast for 2 1/2 hours or until very tender. They should reach 200°F and fall apart easily with a fork.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the foil packet. Place the ribs on the baking sheet and baste with the reserved sauce. Turn the oven on broil and make sure a rack is near the top of the oven. Broil for about 10 minutes, until the top is bubbly and a little charred.
Nutrition

Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.