This easy Slow Cooker Stickiest-ever BBQ Ribs recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. Tender pork ribs are slow-cooked in cola and coated in a sweet, tangy sauce, then finished on the barbecue for a crispy, caramelized exterior. Customize with your favorite sauces and enjoy a delicious, hands-off dinner!

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Recipe Ingredients

• 2 racks baby back pork ribs
• 2 x 330ml (11.2 fl oz) cans cola
• 8 tbsp tomato ketchup (4 oz / 120 g)
• 8 tbsp brown sugar (4 oz / 120 g)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (1 fl oz / 30 ml)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (1 fl oz / 30 ml)
• 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (1 fl oz / 30 ml)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds, to garnish (optional)

How To Make Slow Cooker Stickiest-ever BBQ Ribs

1. Cook the ribs: Heat the slow cooker if necessary. Cut the ribs into small racks so they fit into your slow cooker pot. Pour over the cola and enough water to cover the ribs, then cover and cook on High for 5–7 hours, until they are tender but not falling apart.
2. Make the sauce: Meanwhile, put the sauce ingredients in a small pan. Gently heat, then bubble for about 2 minutes, stirring.
3. Marinate the ribs: When the ribs are done, carefully lift them onto kitchen paper to dry. Transfer to a roasting tin and coat with the sauce. Cover and chill for 1-24 hours to marinate.
4. Finish cooking the ribs: Heat the barbecue or preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Add the ribs (in the roasting tin, if using the oven) and cook for 20 minutes, turning occasionally and basting often with the remaining sauce. When the ribs are hot through and crisp on the outside, slice to serve. Scatter with the sesame seeds, if you like, and serve with any remaining sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the ribs in the slow cooker: Cook the ribs just until they’re tender but not falling apart to prevent them from becoming too soft when grilling.
• Use a roasting tin in the oven: If cooking in the oven, a roasting tin helps keep the ribs juicy while they crisp up, ensuring they stay moist.
• Marinate for longer if you can: Let the ribs marinate for at least 1 hour, but for even better flavor, marinate them overnight in the fridge.
• Baste frequently on the grill: While grilling, baste the ribs often with the sauce to get a rich, sticky glaze on the outside.
• Adjust the sauce sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar, or for a tangier version, increase the Worcestershire sauce.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

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