🥤🍖 Cola BBQ Ribs (One-Pot Method)
What you’ll need
2–3 lb pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
1–1½ cups cola (regular, not diet)
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional but great:
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
Splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
How to make it (stovetop pot)
Prep the ribs
Cut the rack into chunks so they fit in your pot. Pat dry. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika/chili powder if using.
Quick sear (optional but tasty)
Heat a little oil in a big pot or Dutch oven. Brown the ribs for 1–2 minutes per side. This adds flavor, but you can skip if you’re in a hurry.
Add the magic
Pour in the cola and BBQ sauce. Add garlic and any extras. The liquid should come about halfway up the ribs—add a little water if needed.
Simmer low & slow
Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 60–90 minutes, flipping the ribs once or twice. You want them super tender.
Thicken the sauce
Take the lid off for the last 10–15 minutes and let the sauce bubble down until it’s sticky and coats the ribs.
Finish (optional glaze step)
If you have an oven or air fryer: brush ribs with extra BBQ sauce and broil/air-fry 3–5 minutes to get caramelized edges. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Slow cooker version (easy mode)
Toss everything into the slow cooker.
Cook 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
Thicken sauce on the stove if you want it stickier.
Flavor upgrades (pick 1–2)
Sweet-heat: Add 1–2 tsp honey + a pinch of chili flakes
Smoky: Extra smoked paprika or a tiny splash of liquid smoke
Tangy: Squeeze of lemon or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end
What to serve with
Fries or mashed potatoes
Corn on the cob
Coleslaw or simple cucumber salad
If you tell me what you’ve got in your kitchen (spices, honey, onions, etc.), I’ll tailor this into a custom version for you 😄
