Root Beer Ribs (delicious and tender)

Craving a rib recipe that's as sweet as it is savory? Look no further than these incredible Root Beer Ribs. Forget the grill; this recipe takes a unique approach by using your oven to create tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. By infusing the classic barbecue sauce flavor with the unexpected sweetness of root beer, we’ve crafted a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Get ready to elevate your rib game! With just a few simple ingredients – juicy racks of ribs, savory seasoned salt, sweet onions, tangy barbecue sauce, and a touch of vanilla – you can transform a humble cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece. 

Enjoy with delicious sides like my Mom's delicious potato salad. Or, how about some black bean Cowboy Caviar (as a side or as a dip)? Yum!

Why I love this recipe

The sweet tang of root beer paired with the savory richness of ribs and barbeque sauce, creates a truly unique and delicious taste experience. It's a flavor combination you wouldn't expect, but it totally works!

I love how easy this rib recipe is to make. It's perfect for both seasoned and novice cooks. The clear instructions and simple ingredients make it a breeze to prepare, even on a busy weeknight.

The oven-baking method ensures that the ribs come out incredibly tender and juicy, with every bite falling off the bone.

These root beer ribs are guaranteed to wow your friends and family. They're perfect for any gathering or special occasion.

Ingredients

Just a few ingredients! Don't forget your favorite root beer!

You won't believe how delicious the rootbeer and vanilla make these ribs!

2 or 3 racks of ribs (pork back ribs or I've also used St. Louis style ribs).
Seasoned salt (we use Red Robin but Lawry’s is great too!)
2 Sweet Onions
16 oz of Root Beer
1 tbsp. vanilla
BBQ sauce – use your favorite!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300° Fahrenheit.

Step 1
Score the membrane on the backside of the rib rack in a diamond shape. This is what it should look like. Make sure to use a sharp knife; it's easy. You can also peel the membrane off instead.

Step 2
Season the ribs on both sides with your favorite seasoned salt.
Spread sliced onions on the bottom of a large roasting pan. Onions should be thick (½ inch) to elevate ribs from the bottom of the pan.
If ribs overlap or need to be layered, that’s OK!

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Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon vanilla to the bottle of root beer.
Pour the root beer & vanilla mixture over the ribs. Yes, ALL of it!
Cover with a lid (or, if you don’t have a lid, tightly cover with tin foil)

Step 3
Bake for about 2 ½ hours.  When the ribs pull apart easily (use tongs) they are done. Remove from oven.

The rootbeer ribs just smell soooooo good.

Step 4
Turn oven temperature to 400°F.
Carefully move the ribs to a big baking sheet or cookie sheet (I use two tongs). Make sure they are meat-side up.
Add your favorite barbeque sauce on the bottom and the top of the ribs.

Then bake in the oven for about 10 minutes at 400° Fahrenheit. Baste with more sauce if your family is the saucy kind.
OR
Grill each side about 3-4 minutes, basting with more sauce when needed.
Cut between every third rib. ENJOY!

Oven roasted ribs.

Alternative finishing method on the grill.

Storage

Stores well in the refrigerator if well wrapped for up to 3-4 days. I've also frozen them but ensure they are well wrapped (up to 3 months).

FAQs

Delicious Sides for Ribs

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5 from 3 votes

Root Beer Ribs (easy oven recipe)

An easy recipe to make ribs!  This can be made inside and finished on the grill (if you'd like).  Or, they can be finished inside the oven.   Perfect ribs for any time of year.  The rootbeer gives it the most delicious flavor!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: meat

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 289Kcal

Author: Susan Moncrieff

Ingredients

• 2 racks pork back ribs. I've also used St. Louis Style
• 1 tablespoon Seasoned salt we use Red Robin but Lawry's is great too!
• 2 sweet onions cut into ½ inch slices
• 2 cans root beer
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 cup barbeque sauce use your favorite

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 300° Fahrenheit
• Score the membrane of the back side of the rib rack in a diamond shape, or peel the membrane off.

  Season the ribs with your favorite seasoned salt. I'm generous with it and I rub it in.
• Layer sliced onions on bottom of roasting pan.

  Add 1 tablespoon vanilla to root beer. Pour the root beer & vanilla mixture over the ribs.

  Place ribs on top of onions, meat side up.
• Cover with a lid (or, if you don't have a lid, cover tightly with tin foil).
• Bake for 2 ½ hours.
• Carefully move the ribs to a baking sheet (I use two tongs). Add barbeque sauce to both sides.

  Make sure ribs are meat side up for the oven.
• Roast in the oven, uncovered for about 10 minutes at 400° Fahrenheit. Baste with more sauce if your family is the saucy kind.
• Optional Finishing Method Instead of placing in the oven to finish, grill both sides on an medium-hot outdoor grill for 3-4 minutes each side.
• Cut between every third rib. ENJOY!

Notes

Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
May be frozen if well wrapped for up to 3 months. 

Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 289Kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1.321mg | Potassium: 360mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg