Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe

Introduction

These juicy slow-cooked BBQ short ribs are packed with rich, smoky flavors and tender meat that falls off the bone. Braised in a flavorful cola BBQ sauce, they make an unforgettable meal perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 batch Cola BBQ Sauce (see full recipe)
• 4 lbs boneless beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable/canola oil), as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Cola BBQ sauce as directed in the full recipe. Set it aside to cool before using it for the ribs.
2. Step 2: Season the short ribs generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Let them rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300°F.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, swirl to coat the pan evenly. Brown the ribs in batches, searing each side for 2–3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Transfer the browned ribs to a 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish.
4. Step 4: Pour the cooled cola BBQ sauce over the browned ribs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
5. Step 5: Bake the ribs covered for 3 hours at 300°F until they are meltingly tender. Remove the foil and cook for another 30 minutes uncovered to achieve a slightly crisp and browned top.
6. Step 6: Serve the ribs immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw. They also make excellent sandwich filling between two slices of bread. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in salt and pepper for several hours or overnight before cooking.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for browning to get a nice crust on the ribs.
• Substitute avocado oil with other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil if needed.
• If you prefer spicier ribs, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your BBQ sauce.

Storage

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also warm them in a covered skillet on low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in short ribs for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in short ribs can be used but adjust cooking time as they may take slightly longer to become tender.

Is there a substitute if I don’t have cola for the BBQ sauce?

You can use root beer or a mix of apple juice and a bit of brown sugar as a sweet alternative to cola in the BBQ sauce.

Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe

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Tender and juicy boneless beef short ribs slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful homemade Cola BBQ sauce. This recipe features perfectly browned ribs braised in a sweet and tangy sauce, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat with a slightly crisped top. Ideal for a comforting dinner served with classic sides like mashed potatoes or cornbread.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Short Ribs

• 4 lbs boneless beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable/canola oil), as needed

Cola BBQ Sauce

• 1 batch Cola BBQ Sauce (prepared separately as per recipe)

Instructions

1. Prep the BBQ Sauce: Prepare the Cola BBQ sauce according to the full recipe instructions. Once completed, set it aside and allow it to cool before using it to coat the short ribs.
2. Season & Rest the Short Ribs: Generously season the short ribs on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them on a large plate or platter and let them rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
3. Brown the Short Ribs: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, swirl the skillet to evenly coat the bottom. Add a few short ribs at a time—do not overcrowd the pan—and sear each side until a deep brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned ribs to a 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish. Repeat this process in batches, adding more oil if necessary.
4. Assemble the Braise: Nestle all browned short ribs evenly in the baking dish. Pour the cooled Cola BBQ sauce over the ribs, tossing gently to ensure every piece is fully coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
5. Slow Cook the Short Ribs: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and braise for 3 hours at 300°F. After this time, remove the foil and continue cooking the ribs for an additional 30 minutes uncovered, allowing the tops to become slightly crisp and brown.
6. Serve: Serve the ribs hot and saucy alongside your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw. They also make excellent sandwich fillings between two pieces of bread. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful BBQ meal!

Notes

• If you don’t have avocado oil, vegetable or canola oil works well for browning the ribs.
• Letting the ribs rest at room temperature before cooking helps them to cook more evenly.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when browning to ensure a good crust forms.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to retain moisture while braising.
• For more flavor, you can prepare the Cola BBQ sauce a day in advance.

Keywords: BBQ short ribs, slow-cooked ribs, cola barbecue sauce, boneless beef short ribs, braised ribs, oven-braised ribs