Coca-Cola BBQ Ribs

May 29, 2009.   33 Comments.   Categories Chef David Lawrence, Contributing Chefs, Smoking / Grilling.  

Coca Cola BBQ Ribs

by Chef David Lawrence

www.chefdavidlawrence.com

This is the ONLY rib recipe you will ever need. Sticky and sweet. Absolute perfection!

• 1 (1.5 liter) bottle of Coca-Cola (not diet!)
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)

FOR THE SAUCE

• 2/3 stick unsalted butter
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (12 ounce) can Coca-Cola (not diet!)
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a large pot, add the (1.5 liter) bottle of Coca-Cola, onion, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns. Add the ribs and, if necessary a bit of water just to ensure the ribs are submerged completely. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer, turning the ribs occasionally, until the meat pulls away from the bone, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, to make the sauce combine the butter, onion, garlic, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and (12 ounces) Coca-Cola in large heavy sauce pan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for about 25 minutes stirring often until sauce is thickened and reduced. Season to taste with salt and pepper and let cool slightly. Using a blender, puree the sauce.

Note: Sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.

Preheat the grill to high.

Remove the ribs from the pot, pat dry, season with salt and pepper and brush liberally with the sauce. Grill, turning often, until charred on the outside, about 8 minutes. Loosely tent the ribs with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into individual ribs. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Recipe and photos reprinted with permission of Chef David Lawrence.