Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe

Introduction

These juicy slow-cooked BBQ short ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. Braised in a rich cola barbecue sauce, they develop a deliciously caramelized crust and fall-apart texture that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 batch Cola BBQ Sauce (see full recipe)
• 4 lbs boneless beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable/canola oil), as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Cola BBQ sauce according to the recipe and set it aside to cool.
2. Step 2: Generously season the short ribs with salt and pepper on all sides and let them rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 300°F.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches, browning all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned ribs to a 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish, adding more oil if needed for subsequent batches.
4. Step 4: Pour the cooled cola barbecue sauce over the browned short ribs and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
5. Step 5: Braise the short ribs in the oven for 3 hours, covered, until they are meltingly tender. Then uncover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to develop a slightly crisp, browned top.
6. Step 6: Serve the BBQ short ribs immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw, or enjoy them in a sandwich. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the BBQ sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• Use a cast iron skillet for browning to achieve a better crust.
• Swap avocado oil with other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil if preferred.
• Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F covered with foil to maintain moisture, or warm in a covered skillet over low heat. These ribs also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in short ribs instead of boneless?

Yes, bone-in short ribs can be used and often add extra flavor, but they may require slightly longer cooking time to become tender.

What can I serve with these BBQ short ribs?

These ribs pair wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or even on sandwich buns for a hearty meal.