Cherry Coke Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Make Cherry Coke Baby Back Ribs Recipe in just 3h 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dry Rub
Ribs
Cherry Coke Glaze
Finishing & Serving
Method
Dry Rub
- 1
Make the rub
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne. Whisk thoroughly to break up any brown sugar clumps and ensure an even mixture.
Ribs
- 2
Prepare ribs
Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove membrane from the back of the ribs: slide a knife under the membrane at one end, loosen and then pull it off using a paper towel for grip. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
- 3
Apply binder and rub
Brush both sides of each rack lightly with yellow mustard, then rub the olive oil over the surface. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the prepared dry rub, pressing gently so the rub adheres. Let the seasoned ribs rest at room temperature 20–30 minutes while the oven finishes preheating, or refrigerate up to 2 hours covered for deeper flavor (bring back to room temperature before cooking).
- 4
Low-and-slow cook
Place each rack bone-side down on a large piece of aluminum foil, shiny side toward the meat. Wrap tightly to create a sealed packet (you can double-wrap to avoid leaks). Place wrapped ribs on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, until meat is tender and pulls back from the bone about 1/4–1/2 inch.
Cherry Coke Glaze
- 5
Prepare glaze base
About 30–40 minutes before the ribs finish, pour 2 cups Cherry Coke into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce by roughly half, about 12–15 minutes, until syrupy.
- 6
Finish glaze
Lower heat to medium-low. Whisk in ketchup, cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice until smooth. Simmer gently 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry; whisk the slurry into the simmering glaze and cook 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust: add a pinch of salt if needed or a touch more vinegar if too sweet. Remove from heat and stir in butter to round the flavor and add gloss.
Finish & Serve
- 7
Glaze and broil (optional)
When ribs are done, carefully open foil packets and transfer racks to a foil-lined baking sheet, meat-side up. Brush a generous layer of warm Cherry Coke glaze over the top of each rack. Set oven to broil on high (or heat a grill to medium-high). Broil 2–4 minutes until glaze caramelizes and begins to bubble — watch closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, finish on a preheated grill for 3–5 minutes, glazing once more halfway through.
- 8