Get ready to transform your ordinary BBQ game with a recipe that's about to become your new obsession! These Dr. Brown Root Beer Ribs are not just another rib recipe – they're a culinary journey that combines the sweet, complex flavor of root beer with perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. Imagine serving up ribs so incredibly delicious that your guests will be begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a BBQ master or a kitchen novice, this foolproof method will have you creating restaurant-quality ribs right in your own home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork ribs
- 1 can Dr. Brown's root beer
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove ribs from packaging and pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a dry rub seasoning.
- Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the seasoning mixture, massaging the spices into the meat.
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C) to ensure low and slow cooking for tender ribs.
- Place ribs in a large baking dish or roasting pan, bone side down.
- Pour the entire can of Dr. Brown's root beer over the ribs, allowing the liquid to pool around the meat.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, which will help break down connective tissues and make the meat extremely tender.
- Remove ribs from oven and carefully drain excess liquid from the pan.
- Brush ribs generously with BBQ sauce, coating both sides evenly.
- Increase oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) for caramelization.
- Return ribs to oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until sauce is sticky and slightly charred.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Slice ribs between bones and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Tips
- Pat the ribs completely dry before seasoning to ensure the dry rub sticks perfectly and creates a delicious crust.
- Don't rush the cooking process! The low and slow method is crucial for breaking down tough connective tissues and creating melt-in-your-mouth tender ribs.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for food safety, though these ribs will typically go much higher during the slow cooking process.
- For extra flavor, try different BBQ sauces or even make your own custom blend to complement the root beer's unique sweetness.
- If you don't have Dr. Brown's root beer, any quality root beer will work – but the classic Dr. Brown's adds a special touch to this recipe.
- Let the ribs rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor in every bite.
- For a crispy exterior, don't skip the final high-temperature caramelization step – this is what gives the ribs their irresistible sticky, slightly charred finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
