🍖 Dr Pepper Ribs (Oven Recipe)
🧂 Ingredients:
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2 racks pork baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
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2 cans (24 oz) Dr Pepper (not diet)
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp paprika
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind; smoky or sweet varieties work well)
🔥 Instructions:
1. Prep the Ribs:
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Remove the silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs for tenderness.
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In a small bowl, mix the dry rub: brown sugar, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt.
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Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs. Let them sit for 30 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 4 hours).
2. Dr Pepper Bath:
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Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Place the ribs in a large roasting pan or deep baking dish. Pour 1 can (12 oz) of Dr Pepper around (not over) the ribs to keep them moist and infuse flavor.
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Cover the dish tightly with foil.
3. Bake Low and Slow:
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Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is very tender.
4. Dr Pepper BBQ Glaze:
While the ribs bake, make the glaze:
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In a saucepan, combine the remaining 1 can of Dr Pepper and 1 cup BBQ sauce.
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Simmer over medium heat for about 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until reduced and syrupy.
5. Glaze and Broil:
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When ribs are tender, remove from oven and discard cooking liquid.
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Brush ribs generously with the Dr Pepper glaze.
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Broil on high for 5–7 minutes, until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes slightly. Watch closely to avoid burning.