Description
This Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs recipe features tender, flavorful beef short ribs braised in a rich cola barbecue sauce. Slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then finished in the oven for a slightly crisp top, these ribs make a perfect hearty meal served with classic sides or as a delicious sandwich filling.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (ingredients as per your preferred cola BBQ sauce recipe)
Instructions
- Make the Cola BBQ Sauce: Prepare the cola barbecue sauce according to your chosen recipe and set it aside to cool.
- Season the Short Ribs: Generously season the beef short ribs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow them to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and even cooking.
- Preheat and Sear: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado (or your choice of) oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches until they are deeply browned on all sides, developing a rich crust. Transfer the seared ribs to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Braise the Ribs: Pour the cooled cola barbecue sauce evenly over the ribs, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Braise for 3 hours until the ribs are meltingly tender.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the foil and continue cooking the ribs in the oven for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the top of the ribs to become slightly crisp and beautifully browned.
- Serve: Serve the succulent BBQ short ribs immediately, paired with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw, or simply enjoy them as a sandwich between two pieces of bread.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the ribs to rest after seasoning to let the salt and pepper penetrate the meat.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for even searing.
- If you don’t have cola BBQ sauce ready, you can make a quick sauce using cola, ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated gently on the stove or oven.
- Adjust cooking times slightly if your ribs are thicker or thinner than 3-inch pieces.
