These Easy Oven Baked Pork Ribs are tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. The secret to their melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in marinating the ribs with Coca-Cola, which not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a hint of sweetness. These ribs are perfect for a comforting meal, and you can prepare them without needing to fire up the grill, making them ideal for any time of year.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork ribs

• 2 large onions, diced

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

• 12 oz Coca-Cola (or regular soda)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ribs:

   • Preheat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add oil.

   • Season the pork ribs liberally with salt, paprika, and pepper. Sear each side of the ribs in the hot Dutch oven until golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onions:

   • In the same Dutch oven, add the diced onions and sauté in the fat left from searing the ribs until golden.

3. Cook the Ribs:

   • Return the seared ribs to the Dutch oven, pour the Coca-Cola over the ribs, and cover the pot.

   • Bake the ribs in the oven at 280°F for 90 minutes, or until they are tender and a fork easily pierces the meat.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 533 kcal

• Fat: 41g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 127mg

• Sodium: 1880mg

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 10g

• Protein: 26g

The Magic of Coca-Cola in Pork Ribs

Using Coca-Cola in this recipe may seem unconventional, but it works wonders in terms of both flavor and texture. The natural acids in the soda help break down the tough fibers in the pork, resulting in incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone with ease. Additionally, the sugars in the Coca-Cola contribute to a caramelized, slightly sweet glaze on the ribs as they cook, making each bite incredibly juicy and flavorful.

The carbonation in the soda also helps to create a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture while ensuring that the ribs don’t become dry. This method offers a great alternative for those who don’t want to fire up the grill but still want that delicious, tender, and sweet-savory rib experience.

Preparing the Ribs: Getting the Seasoning Just Right

Before cooking, the pork ribs are seasoned generously with paprika, salt, and black pepper. These simple yet effective seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the ribs while providing a savory base that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness from the Coca-Cola marinade. The paprika adds a hint of smokiness, while the salt and pepper elevate the overall taste, ensuring the ribs are flavorful inside and out.

To start, heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, sear the ribs on each side until golden brown. This step is crucial because it helps develop a rich, flavorful crust on the ribs, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish. After searing, remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside.

Sautéing the Onions: Building Flavor

In the same Dutch oven, the onions are sautéed in the fat left behind from searing the ribs. This step is important because it allows the onions to absorb the rich flavors left by the ribs, adding another layer of savory sweetness to the dish. Sauté the onions until they are golden and soft, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. The sweet, caramelized onions will pair perfectly with the Coca-Cola marinade and the tender pork ribs.

Cooking the Ribs: Low and Slow for Perfect Tenderness

After the onions are sautéed, return the seared ribs to the Dutch oven and pour the Coca-Cola over them. The soda will combine with the savory onions and seasonings to create a flavorful liquid that will tenderize and infuse the ribs with delicious sweetness as they cook. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid to retain moisture and allow the ribs to braise slowly in the oven at a low temperature of 280°F (140°C).

Bake the ribs for about 90 minutes or until they are tender and a fork easily pierces the meat. During this time, the flavors will develop, and the ribs will become wonderfully tender while absorbing all the rich flavors from the onions and Coca-Cola.

Serving the Ribs

Once the ribs are done baking, they should be fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with a savory-sweet glaze. To serve, you can either leave the ribs whole or slice them into individual pieces. These ribs are perfect for a hearty meal on their own, or you can pair them with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

The natural sweetness of the Coca-Cola glaze makes these ribs perfect for any occasion, and they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or gatherings.

Nutritional Information for Easy Oven Baked Pork Ribs

Each serving of these Easy Oven Baked Pork Ribs contains approximately 533 calories, with 41 grams of fat, 12 grams of which are saturated fat. The dish also provides 26 grams of protein, making it a good source of lean protein. The sugar content comes from the Coca-Cola, which adds 10 grams of sugar per serving, but the caramelization of the soda also contributes to the rich flavor of the dish.

Although the sodium content is relatively high at 1880mg per serving due to the seasoning and the Coca-Cola, you can adjust the salt to taste to help control the sodium level. Additionally, the dish contains 2 grams of fiber, making it a balanced and filling option for a comforting meal.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Flavorful Comfort Food

Easy Oven Baked Pork Ribs are the perfect solution for anyone craving a tender, flavorful rib dish without the need for a grill. The combination of Coca-Cola and simple seasonings creates a savory-sweet glaze that perfectly complements the natural richness of the pork. These ribs are easy to prepare, and the slow-baking method ensures that they come out tender and juicy every time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for a special occasion, these oven-baked pork ribs are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal.