Root beer ribs? Oh yeah! I remember these from years ago when my girlfriend and her husband made them for football parties when we lived in Canada. And they brought them to our cottage one time too! To die for! I’ve made them quite a few times but I especially like making these in the winter. They need to braise (fancy word for cook in liquid) in the oven for about 3 hours. Also, if you can’t get to your grill outside (snow, windchill etc.), they can be finished off in the oven. Thank you Cathy and Shawn for introducing me to these so many years ago. We still love them!
If you didn’t know these were made with root beer, you would be wondering what is that hint of flavor is that makes these different and so awesome? The root beer helps make these ribs fall-apart tender. Perfect for a gathering of family and/or friends on a lazy weekend day in front of the TV! The bonus is, this recipe can make lots!! Do you have a young picky eater? Take them aside and tell them what the secret ingredient is :). They will enjoy knowing the secret as they devour them! What kid wouldn’t love root beer ribs :).
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PinIngredients
- 3 or 4 racks of ribs (orig. recipe states back ribs.)
- Seasoned salt (we use Red Robin but Lawry’s is great too!)
- 1 spanish onion (I use sweet onions)
- 1 – 2 litre bottle root beer
- 1 tbsp. vanilla
- BBQ sauce – use your favorite!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 Fahrenheit
- Score the membrane of the back side of the rib rack in a diamond shape. Sounds harder than it is!
- Season the ribs with your favorite seasoned salt.
- Spread sliced onions on the bottom of a large roasting pan.
- If ribs overlap or need to be layered, that’s OK!
- 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, cover tightly with tin foil.
- Bake for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
- After they are done baking, they look like this.
- And smell like this:
- (just kidding, I’d share the smell if I could 🙂 ).
- Carefully move the ribs to a big jelly roll sheet (I use two tongs). Make sure they are meat side UP.
- Add your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Then bake in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350 Fahrenheit. Baste with more sauce if your family is the saucy kind.
- OR
- If you can get to your grill, grill each side about 6-8 minutes, basting with more sauce when needed.
- Cut between every third rib. ENJOY!
- Don’t forget the napkins!
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