Cody Casey
Cooking ribs in a crock pot with Coke is a simple way to make tender, flavourful ribs. The high acidity and caramel flavour of Coke make it a great meat tenderizer, and when combined with barbecue sauce, it creates an irresistible flavour. The ribs are cooked low and slow, making the meat fall off the bone. The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal preparation, making it a convenient option for a comforting mid-week meal or a crowd-pleaser at a weekend gathering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ribs | Baby back ribs |
| Type of cooker | Slow cooker or crock pot |
| Ingredients | Coca-Cola, barbecue sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne |
| Preparation | Remove membrane, season ribs, combine barbecue sauce and Coke, cook for 4-8 hours |
| Outcome | Tender, juicy, sweet, tangy, fall-off-the-bone ribs |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare the ribs before cooking
To prepare your ribs before cooking, start by removing any silver skin or inner membrane from the ribs. You can then cut the rack into 2-3 rib sections or 4-inch pieces.
Next, season the ribs. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper, or mix together salt, pepper, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and garlic and rub this mixture into the ribs. You could also add a little garlic powder or onion powder to the slow cooker mixture.
For even better results, generously apply a dry rub to the ribs the night before cooking. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and let them marinate in the fridge overnight.
Finally, place the ribs in the crock pot. If desired, you can slice an onion and put it in the bottom of the slow cooker first.
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The best cooking temperature and time
The best temperature and time for cooking ribs in a crock pot with Coke depend on the consistency you want to achieve. For example, ribs cooked for 4 hours on a high heat setting will be less tender than those cooked for 8 hours on low heat.
For ribs that are less likely to fall off the bone, cook your ribs on a high heat setting for 4 hours. This shorter cooking time will produce tender ribs, but they will not be as soft as those cooked for longer on a lower heat setting.
For ribs that are more likely to fall off the bone, cook your ribs on a low heat setting for 8 hours. This longer cooking time will make the meat extremely tender, and it will easily fall off the bone.
You can also cook ribs on a low heat setting for 6 to 8 hours. This will produce ribs that are somewhere in between the two previous options in terms of tenderness.
Additionally, if you want to caramelize your ribs, you can place them under a broiler for 3 to 5 minutes after removing them from the crock pot.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of ribs you are using and your crock pot's specific heat settings. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your ribs while they are cooking to ensure they do not overcook or undercook.
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Combining the barbecue sauce and Coke
The combination of barbecue sauce and Coke is the secret to this mouth-watering dish. The high acidity and caramel flavour of Coke make for a great meat tenderizer, and the sugar in the soda enhances the sweetness of the dish. The carbonation in the soda also helps to tenderize the ribs by breaking down the meat.
To combine the barbecue sauce and Coke, start by sprinkling the ribs with salt and pepper and placing them in the crock pot. Then, mix together the barbecue sauce and Coke in a bowl, making sure to mix well. You can also add a little garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture for extra flavour. Save about half a cup of the sauce to use later, then pour the rest of the sauce over the ribs in the crock pot.
Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is falling off the bone. When the ribs are done, remove them from the crock pot and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush on the reserved sauce and broil for 3-4 minutes until the sauce has caramelized.
The rich flavours of the barbecue sauce and Coke create an unbeatable sauce combination that will make you want to lick every last bit of sauce off your fingers. The Coke adds a unique sweetness to the dish, making every bite unforgettable.
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Adding extra ingredients to the slow cooker
The key to cooking ribs in a crock pot with Coke is to let the slow cooker do the work for you. The long cooking time will ensure your ribs are tender and falling off the bone. The combination of barbecue sauce and Coke is a match made in heaven, with the carbonation and acidity of the Coke breaking down and tenderizing the meat, while the sugar enhances the sauce's sweetness.
You can add extra ingredients to the slow cooker to take your ribs to the next level. Try adding a little garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture. You could also include a sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker, along with a sprinkle of cider vinegar. Or, for a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika.
For a simple dry rub, season the ribs with salt and pepper before placing them in the crock pot. You can also try a wet rub by mixing together brown sugar, salt, pepper, liquid smoke, and garlic, and rubbing this mixture into the ribs before placing them in the slow cooker.
If you want to enhance the sweetness of the dish, try adding a unique twist with a Coca-Cola marinade. Simply pour Coke over the ribs and let them sit for at least half an hour before placing them in the crock pot. This will give the soda time to work its magic, tenderizing the meat and adding a caramelized glaze.
With just a few extra ingredients and some time in the slow cooker, you'll have delicious, tender ribs that are sure to impress.
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Caramelising the ribs after cooking
After cooking your ribs in the crock pot, you can further caramelise them by brushing them with barbecue sauce and placing them under a grill or broiler for a few minutes. This will give them a sticky texture and enhance their flavour.
To do this, first remove the ribs from the crock pot and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet or rimmed baking tray. Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, either on one side or both sides, depending on your preference. You can also sprinkle on some extra seasoning, such as salt and pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, or onion powder, if desired.
Then, place the ribs under a preheated grill or broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn. You want the sauce to caramelise and become sticky, creating a mouthwatering glaze on the ribs.
If you prefer your ribs to have a bit of a chew, you can skip the caramelisation step and serve them as they are after slow cooking. However, the caramelisation adds a delightful extra layer of flavour and texture that is well worth the effort.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook ribs in a crock pot for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
The ingredients needed are ribs, Coke, barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper.
Before cooking, it is recommended to strip the ribs of any silver skin and season them with salt and pepper.
A standard can of Coke or 1 litre is enough to cook ribs in a crock pot.
Yes, some recipes suggest adding onion, vinegar, garlic, liquid smoke, or paprika for added flavour.
