Well, the Coca-Cola flavor. You already know that when you hear that name, you’re not dealing with the healthiest or sugar-free dish. And that’s absolutely irrelevant when it comes to spareribs. I’ve seen many different variations of this recipe over the years, so often on social media and even famous chefs getting creative with it. I think it’s a bit of a gimmick, like beer can chicken. It’s something you have to try at least once, and then you might think you shouldn’t do it again. At least, that’s what you think. Until some time later when you crave it again and just make it once more. It’s one of those recipes that should be made from time to time.

Precooking Spareribs I’m really against precooking your ribs. It’s a trick that’s often used in restaurants to speed up the cooking process and make “fall off the bone” ribs. However, in some cases, and actually for this recipe, I’m willing to make an exception (I can be like that too), because they really are delicious ribs. You can also make them in the oven!

The key thing for this recipe is not to use diet coke or sugar-free cola. For this recipe, you can indulge in the original Coca-Cola.

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Ingredients

  • 2 racks of ribs

  • For the cooking liquid

  • 1 bottle of Coca-Cola (1.5 liters) (NOTE: No Diet Coke or other sugar-free varieties)

  • 1 large onion (quartered)

  • 6 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)

  • 2 bay leaves

  • For the sauce

  • 2/3 stick of salted butter

  • 1 small white onion (chopped)

  • 2 minced cloves of garlic

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • 1 & 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 can of Coca-Cola (no sugar-free versions!)

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Directions

  • In a large pot, combine the bottle of Coca-Cola, garlic, onion, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Add the spareribs, and if necessary, add some water to ensure the ribs are fully submerged.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 1 hour. Turn the ribs occasionally until the meat begins to pull away from the bones.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for an additional 25 minutes until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Afterward, blend the sauce to make it smooth.
  • Now, you can ignite your BBQ and let it reach a high temperature (150 – 170°C), or you can use an oven with a grill function. Set the grill to high. Remove the ribs from the pot, pat them dry, and place them in a roasting pan under the grill. Turn them a few times until the ribs are nicely grilled all around (be careful not to char them).
  • Brush the ribs with the sauce one more time, and let them rest under aluminum foil outside the oven for a bit. Serve the sauce alongside the ribs. Enjoy!