Craving a tender weeknight dinner solution? Try slow-cooked BBQ short ribs with cola BBQ sauce for an easy homemade family favorite, perfect for a quick weeknight meal, save for later

Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs with Cola BBQ Sauce

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs, smothered in a rich, velvety cola BBQ sauce that’s both familiar and inventive. This recipe for Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs with Cola BBQ Sauce is a masterclass in ease, flavor, and creativity, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their BBQ game without breaking a sweat. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of short ribs, cola BBQ sauce, and a blend of spices creates a flavor profile that’s both deep and balanced, with ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, with a simple list of ingredients and a straightforward cooking process that’s hard to mess up.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family with its tender, fall-off-the-bone texture and rich, complex flavor.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the short ribs themselves, which are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, velvety cola BBQ sauce. You’ll also need a few pantry staples, including brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For the cola BBQ sauce, you’ll need cola, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of brown sugar. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these ingredients on hand – you can easily substitute them with similar alternatives. For example, you can use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar, or try using different types of vinegar for a unique flavor twist.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While that’s heating up, take a few minutes to prep your ingredients – chop the onions, measure out the spices, and mix the cola BBQ sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Step 2: In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until they’re browned on all sides, then remove them from the pot and set them aside. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until they’re softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the cola BBQ sauce to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and oil. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the short ribs to the pot and make sure they’re coated in the sauce. Cover the pot with a lid, then transfer it to the preheated oven and let the short ribs cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until they’re tender and falling off the bone.
Step 4: Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes. Strain the cola BBQ sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, discarding the solids. Serve the short ribs with the sauce spooned over the top, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions if desired.

Handy Tips

Make sure to brown the short ribs thoroughly before cooking them – this will help create a rich, depthful flavor in the finished dish.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations – this recipe is a great starting point for trying out new spices, sauces, and seasonings.
If you’re short on time, you can also make this recipe in a slow cooker – simply brown the short ribs and cook the onions in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Heat Control

One of the most important things to keep in mind when making this recipe is heat control – you want to make sure the short ribs are cooked low and slow, so they stay tender and fall-off-the-bone. If you’re using a slow cooker, this is easy – just set it to low and let it cook all day. If you’re using the oven, make sure to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the short ribs – they should be at least 160°F (71°C) when they’re done.

Crunch Factor

While the short ribs themselves should be tender and falling off the bone, you can add a bit of crunch to the dish by topping it with chopped fresh herbs or scallions. You can also try adding some crispy onions or croutons on top for extra texture – just be sure not to overdo it, or the dish can start to feel overwhelming.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a cast-iron or Dutch oven pot to cook the short ribs – these retain heat well and can help create a rich, depthful flavor in the finished dish.
Don’t skip the step of browning the short ribs – this helps create a rich, caramelized crust on the outside of the meat that’s essential to the dish.
Let the short ribs rest for a few minutes before serving – this helps the meat stay tender and juicy, and can make it easier to slice or pull apart.

Storage Tips

Let the short ribs cool completely before refrigerating or freezing – this helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the meat fresh.
Store the short ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat the short ribs gently – you can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop, but be careful not to overheat the meat or it can become tough and dry.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, you can package it in a variety of ways – try using a decorative ceramic dish or a mason jar, and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. You can also include a few sides or extras, such as crusty bread or a green salad, to make the gift feel more complete. Just be sure to package the short ribs carefully, so they stay warm and fresh during transport.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Try using different types of BBQ sauce – you can use a spicy sauce for a kick, or a sweet sauce for a more traditional flavor.
🌟 Add some extra spices or seasonings to the short ribs – you can use chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika to give the dish a unique flavor.
🌟 Experiment with different types of meat – you can use pork ribs, beef short ribs, or even lamb shanks for a unique twist on the recipe.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the short ribs are tough or dry, it may be because they were overcooked or not cooked low and slow enough. Try adjusting the cooking time or temperature to see if that helps.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a certain ingredient, don’t worry – you can usually substitute it with something similar. Just be sure to taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Over/undercooking signs: If the short ribs are undercooked, they may be tough or pink in the center. If they’re overcooked, they may be dry or falling apart. Try checking the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it’s cooked to a safe temperature.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the short ribs for up to 2 months – just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing, and reheat them gently when you’re ready to serve.
Is it gluten-free? This recipe is gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients of your BBQ sauce and spices to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe – just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, and use a larger pot or slow cooker if needed.

Conclusion

This recipe for Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs with Cola BBQ Sauce is a game-changer – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their BBQ game without breaking a sweat. So go ahead, give it a try, and see what you think – and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooked Short Ribs Cola BBQ