Why You’ll Love This Root Beer Baby Back Ribs Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s both unique and mouthwatering, you’ll absolutely love this Root Beer Baby Back Ribs recipe.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates an irresistible glaze that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
I adore how the root beer tenderizes the meat, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Plus, it’s a fun twist on traditional barbecue that impresses friends and family alike.
Cooking these ribs in a crock pot means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy the day while the delicious aroma fills your home.
Trust me, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Root Beer Baby Back Ribs
When it comes to a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress, these Root Beer Baby Back Ribs take the cake. They’re sweet, they’re savory, and they practically fall off the bone. Plus, the best part? You can whip up the sauce in a jiffy and let your trusty crock pot do all the heavy lifting.
Imagine the tantalizing smell wafting through your house as they cook—it’s enough to make your stomach growl like a hungry bear. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one.
Ingredients for Root Beer Baby Back Ribs
- 1 1/2 cups root beer
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons onions, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 3 drops hot sauce (or more if you like a kick)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 – 2 racks of baby back ribs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Now let’s chat about some of the ingredients. Root beer is the star of the show here, adding a unique sweetness that you wouldn’t expect in a traditional BBQ sauce.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a craft root beer for an extra depth of flavor, just remember to avoid the diet versions—trust me, it’s not the same.
And when it comes to the ribs, baby back ribs are perfect because they’re tender and juicy. If you can’t find baby backs, spare ribs work too, but they may take a bit longer to cook. Just keep an eye on them!
How to Make Root Beer Baby Back Ribs
Let’s plunge into how to make those lip-smacking Root Beer Baby Back Ribs. First off, grab your 1 ½ cups of root beer, 1 cup of ketchup, ½ cup of orange juice, and a few other ingredients. You’re going to whip up a sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.
In a medium saucepan, mix the root beer, ketchup, orange juice, 2 tablespoons of molasses, and 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves and 3 tablespoons of minced onion for that savory punch. Don’t forget the spices—add ½ teaspoon of paprika, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and a few drops of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Now, here’s where the magic happens: whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken it up, and bring that mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Seriously, this sauce will smell like a dream.
Now, onto the ribs! Grab your 1 to 2 racks of baby back ribs and take a moment to remove the fatty membrane from the underside. It sounds fancy, but it’s just a little prep work to guarantee your ribs turn out tender.
Season those beauties with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy, let’s make these ribs flavorful. Place the ribs in your crock pot (you might need to cut them in half to fit, but that’s okay). Pour that glorious sauce all over the ribs, making sure they’re well-coated.
Cooking on low for 4 to 5 hours is the key here, and don’t forget to move the ribs around every hour. This way, all the pieces get a turn soaking up the sauce. Imagine the aroma wafting through your house, making everyone’s mouth water.
Trust me, patience is a virtue when it comes to ribs. Before you know it, you’ll have a plate of ribs that are tender, juicy, and begging to be devoured.
Root Beer Baby Back Ribs Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic flavor of Root Beer Baby Back Ribs, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen.
For a twist, you could swap root beer for ginger ale or cola, which adds a different sweetness. If you prefer a tangy kick, try adding apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
For a spicier version, mix in some chipotle peppers or cayenne. You can also experiment with different sweeteners; honey or maple syrup can replace molasses.
Finally, throw in your favorite spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy customizing your ribs!
Additional Tips & Notes
For the best results with your Root Beer Baby Back Ribs, consider a few essential tips. First, don’t skip removing the fatty membrane; it makes a huge difference in tenderness.
Also, let the sauce cool slightly before applying it to the ribs for better adhesion. If you can, marinate the ribs overnight in the sauce—it really intensifies the flavor.
When cooking, check the ribs occasionally to verify they’re evenly coated.
Finally, if you want that caramelized finish, pop them under the broiler for a couple of minutes after cooking. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step! Enjoy your delicious ribs!