Root Beer Ribs

You can’t beat a refreshing slaw with ribs — one with a little sweetness from apples, oranges, or raisins would be nice with this recipe.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 hr | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 racks St. Louis-style spare ribs, (2 1/3 to 3 pounds each), cut into 3 or 4 rib sections
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounce) can root beer, (not diet), divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, chili powder, salt, onion powder and allspice in medium bowl.
2. Set aside half the spice mixture (about 1/3 cup.); sprinkle the rest over both sides of ribs.
3. Pour 1/2 cup root beer into slow cooker and add ribs.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until ribs are very tender.
5. With 10 minutes left on ribs, combine remaining root beer and reserved spice mixture in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
6. Add cornstarch mixture and stir until sauce thickens, just a few seconds. Remove from heat; set aside.
7. Remove ribs to platter and cover.
8. Strain the cooking liquid and pour off fat.
9. Add 1/3 cup remaining liquid to sauce; stir until smooth.
10. Brush ribs with sauce, serve with remaining sauce on side.

Notes

This would also be good with oven fries alongside. To make the dish your own, try using cola instead of root beer, or serve the ribs garnished with thin slivers of red onion.

Nutrition

Per serving: Calories: 380 calories Protein: 17 grams Fat: 26 grams Sodium: 1300 milligrams Cholesterol: 85 milligrams Saturated Fat: 8 grams Carbohydrates: 20 grams Fiber: 1 grams

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: National Pork Board