Memorial Day traditionally marks the beginning of grilling season in earnest. It’s the beginning of summer, so the Rock Hill Coca-Cola Bottling Company thought we’d provide you with a great recipe: Ribs with Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce. This version of a grilling classic is designed for a gas grill, but will provide plenty of sweet and smoky flavor for the ribs.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ribs and Rub
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 2-3 cups hickory wood chips
- 1 disposable aluminum mini-loaf pan
- aluminum foil
Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce
- 3 cans Coca-Cola Classic
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1½ teaspoons mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Rib Dry Rub
Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, pepper, and salt. Rub baby back rib racks evenly with dry rub. Wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap. Leave the rubbed ribs in the refrigerator overnight. If time is an issue, you can save the rub until just before putting the ribs on the grill. The extra time in the rub will enhance the flavors when on the grill.
Grilling the Ribs
Soak the hickory wood chips in warm water for at least 30 minutes. Drain the wood chips and place into the mini-loaf pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Carefully cut two slits in the foil, 2” long and 3” apart. These slits will allow the wood chips to smoke without burning.
Place the foil pan directly on one of the side burners. Turn all burners to high with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes, until the chips begin smoking. Turn off all burners except the one with the wood chips.
Arrange the rib racks on the cooler side of the grill. Close grill lid and leave ribs covered for about 4 hours, flipping and turning every hour.
Brush ribs with the Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce in the last 15 minutes. Save some sauce for serving.
Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce
In a large saucepan, bring Coke to a boil. Allow the Coke to boil down for 30-40 minutes, until roughly 1 cup remains.
Remove reduced Coke from heat. Whisk in the remaining ingredients.
Return to heat and simmer for 10-15 more minutes.