Nothing beats a rack of sticky, succulent ribs fresh off the grill. But not everyone has access to a grill or wants to spend hours tending the flames. That’s where your slow cooker comes in handy! You can make insanely delicious slow-cooker pork ribs and Coke in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients.
These Coca-Cola ribs are sweet, smoky, and finger-licking good. The cola acts as a tenderizer and gives the ribs an incredible caramelized bark and depth of flavor. You’ll be amazed at how the oven-baked ribs rival those from your favorite barbecue joint.
Trust me, after one bite of these saucy ribs that slide right off the bone, your family will be begging you to make them every week!
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ToggleThere are several advantages to making ribs in a slow cooker rather than oven-baking or grilling them.
You can’t go wrong with classic St. Louis Style or Baby Back ribs in the slow cooker. They both have just the right amount of fat and connective tissue to get melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of moist cooking.
Look for meaty ribs with a nice layer of white fat marbling through them. Avoid ribs with dry spots or ones that look overly fatty.
You’ll need around 2-3 pounds of ribs for the slow cooker to feed 4 people. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs so the sauce can penetrate the meat.
The beauty of these slow cooker pork ribs is that they come together with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Follow these simple steps for finger-licking slow cooker pork ribs every time:
These ribs store and reheat beautifully. Follow these tips for easy meal prepping:
What can I use instead of cola?
You can substitute root beer, Dr. Pepper, apple juice, or water. The cola adds great caramel flavor though.
Do I need to flip and baste the ribs?
No, the slow cooker does all the work for you. There is no need to flip or check them.
Should I wrap the ribs in foil/butcher paper?
Not when slow cooking. Foil wrapping is more appropriate for oven or grill cooking when moisture is needed to be retained.
What BBQ sauce is best for ribs?
Use your favorite sauce or make your own. Ketchup-based sauces work well. Avoid creamy, vinegar-based sauce in the slow cooker.
How will I know when they’re done?
They’re done when the meat has pulled back from the bones and the ribs are tender when poked with a fork.
These cola-braised slow cooker pork ribs will be a big hit with your family. No more dry, tough ribs – the slow cooker gives you succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat with an insane depth of finger-licking flavor.
The secret ingredient is Coke, which tenderizes while also adding a delicious sweet and tangy taste. A few common pantry items become an amazing sauce that permeates the juicy pork.
Indulging in a nutritious diet not only fuels the body but also plays a crucial role in supporting good mental health. The careful process of baking the ribs at the end crisps them up into a crispy, sticky mess you’ll want extra napkins for. Kids and adults alike will devour these saucy ribs, finding satisfaction in the delectable taste and the well-being of a balanced and wholesome lifestyle.
So skip the takeout, break out your slow cooker, and prepare for your new go-to rib night. Just be prepared for the requests for a second helping!