Grilled Spareribs with Cherry Cola Glaze

My Amazing Grilled Spareribs with a Cherry Cola Glaze

As a busy working mom, I'm always looking for delicious, yet manageable recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This Grilled Spareribs with Cherry Cola Glaze recipe is a perfect example of a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make. It’s become a weeknight staple in our household and is easily adaptable depending on what sides we have on hand.

The key to the glaze lies in the reduction of the cherry cola. Letting it sit for a few hours before cooking removes the excess fizz, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully during the reduction process. This results in a rich, subtly sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the grilled spareribs. I often find myself making a double batch of the glaze, not just for the ribs but also to use as a marinade for chicken or pork chops another day. The leftovers are amazing on sandwiches!

The actual grilling process is remarkably straightforward. While you can technically bake the ribs if you’re short on time (and barbecue isn't available), I recommend trying to grill them – it adds an extra layer of smoky char to the meat that elevates the whole dish. The slight char complements the glaze beautifully. My family agrees that grilling adds a certain something special.

Serving Suggestions: The best part about this recipe is its versatility. I usually serve these ribs with a simple side salad to balance the richness of the meat and the sweetness of the glaze. A creamy potato salad, or some grilled corn on the cob adds a bit of rustic charm to the meal. The sweetness of the glaze means the sides really are down to personal preference – almost anything goes.

I've experimented with serving this with different drinks. A nice tall glass of iced tea helps cut through the richness, but a frosty mug of lager isn’t a bad idea either (especially for the adults!). This dish is perfect for a casual get-together or a family dinner—a true crowd-pleaser!

Tips and Tricks for Success: Here are a few things I've learned that will help ensure your ribs turn out perfectly every time:

• Don't rush the reduction: The longer the cherry cola simmers, the more intense the flavor becomes.
• Use good quality ribs: The flavor of your ribs will directly impact the overall taste of the dish.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Make sure there is sufficient space between the ribs to allow for even cooking and browning.
• Watch the grill carefully: The glaze can burn easily, so keep a close eye on the ribs while they’re grilling to prevent sticking or charring.

Make Ahead Tip: The great thing about this recipe is that it can be partially prepared ahead of time. You can make the glaze a week in advance, and the ribs can be baked a day ahead. All you have to do is let them stand at room temperature for an hour before grilling!

This Grilled Spareribs with Cherry Cola Glaze recipe is more than just a meal; it's a culinary experience that brings people together. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of summer nights, family gatherings, and the simple pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with those you love. It's a favorite in my house and I hope it will become a favorite in yours too!

Step-by-step

• Boil cherry cola in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 45 minutes.
• Stir in next 5 ingredients.
• Reduce heat to medium and simmer until mixture is reduced to 2 1/2 cups, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.
• Transfer glaze to large bowl. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature before using.)
• Position racks in top and bottom thirds of oven and preheat to 325°F.
• Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper.
• Wrap each rib rack tightly in foil, enclosing completely.
• Divide foil packets between 2 rimmed baking sheets.
• Bake until ribs are very tender, switching positions of baking sheets halfway through baking, about 2 hours total.
• Cool ribs slightly in foil.
• Pour off any fat from foil packets. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep covered in foil packets and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before continuing.)
• Prepare barbecue (medium-low heat).
• Cut each rib rack between bones into individual ribs.
• Set aside 1 cup glaze.
• Add ribs to bowl with remaining glaze and toss to coat.
• Grill ribs until brown and glazed, turning to prevent burning, about 5 minutes total.
• Serve, passing reserved glaze separately.