There has been a big trend in using Dr. Pepper soda for various BBQ sauces.  So why not jump on the bandwagon.  I made these beautiful baby back ribs in Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce and they are one of the best ribs I’ve ever made!  There is definitely something about the many flavors of this popular soda drink that deliver amazing flavors in the sauce.  From tangy to sweet, these tender ribs were a hit. 

Start with prepping the Baby Back Ribs.

To start, I did something I usually never do and that is marinate the ribs.  I placed the baby back rib slabs into a large container and poured in 3 Dr Pepper cans.  I soaked the ribs for about 30 minutes. The carbonation should work as a tenderizer, but more importantly the soda flavors penetrate the meat.  I recommend marinating in the liquid for at least 1 hour.  Pat the ribs dry and trim any loose fatty ends. Apply yellow mustard to the dry ribs for the binder and season all sides with Dad’s All Purpose seasoning.

How to grill the perfect ribs.

Preheat the grill to 250 degrees and set for indirect heat.  First, set the seasoned ribs directly on the grates and let them smoke for 3 hours.

After 3 hours, it’s time for the wrap. On a long sheet of foil, add a little bit of butter and honey along the length of the slab.  Next, place the ribs meat side down and repeat the butter and honey application on the top. Wrap up the ribs leaving just the tip open.  Pour in 1/2 can of Dr. Pepper into foil wrap and close shut.  Use another large sheet of foil to wrap the ribs again to ensure there are no punctures.  I highly recommend using a heavy duty foil that is durable enough against rib bones or easy punctures.  Put the double wrapped ribs back on the grill until they are nice and tender. Target internal temperature should be 200 degrees. While these bad boys are cooking, let’s prep your sauce.

How to make the perfect Dr. Pepper sauce.

Homemade BBQ sauce is the way to go.  You can always adapt the tanginess, spiciness or sweetness to your liking. This Dr. Pepper rib sauce had a little bit of all the above.  It might be my new favorite BBQ sauce.  You can definitely taste the various flavor profiles of a Dr. Pepper but it’s not overpowering for those that are not fans of the drink.  It’s the perfect flavor compliment to the savory ribs.  Ingredients are simple and sauce is easy to make.

In a sauce pan, add 1 can of Dr. Pepper soda, ketchup, molasses, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and Dad’s All Purpose  seasoning.  Mix it all together simmering over low heat until the sauce thickens.

Sauce up the ribs at the very end and put them back on the grill for the final 10 minutes or until the sauce is nice and tacky.

Let these Baby back ribs in Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce rest for 10-15 minutes, slice and enjoy!

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