Baby Got Back Ribs: Tender, Saucy, and Unapologetically Black

These juicy Baby Back Ribs are grilled to perfection and basted in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce—an instant cookout classic.

The Flavor That Takes You Back: Baby Got Back Ribs

Ribs are a sacred thing in Black households—passed down from generation to generation, from backyard BBQs to family reunions. And this recipe? It’s not just ribs—it’s a story, a tradition, and a whole experience. Whether you’re a pitmaster-in-training or just stepping into the grill game, these Baby Got Back Ribs bring the soul of Southern cooking and the sass of Black culinary creativity right to your plate.

This method starts with a Coca-Cola soak that leaves your ribs tender and juicy. Then comes the seasoning—deep, bold, and unapologetically flavorful. Finally, it’s all about that slow cook and repeated basting with BBQ sauce for that rich, sticky finish. No shortcuts, just real flavor and real love.

What You Need (Ingredients)

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
• 1 bottle Coca-Cola (enough to submerge ribs)
• BBQ dry rub (your choice or homemade)
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Your favorite BBQ sauce (at least 1–2 cups)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ribs

Put on those gloves and remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the seasoning penetrate better and keeps the texture perfect.

2. Soak in Coca-Cola

Place the ribs in a container and pour Coca-Cola until they’re fully covered. Let them soak in the fridge for at least 2–4 hours, but no more than 12. This tenderizes the meat without adding a soda taste.

3. Season Generously

Remove the ribs from the soak and pat dry. Season them all over with your BBQ dry rub—be generous. As the creator says, “Season them ribs down to the bone so your food don’t taste like a one-sided relationship.”

4. Fire Up the Grill

Get your smoker or grill heated to around 250°F. Place the ribs bone-side down. Low and slow is the name of the game here—let those babies cook for about 3 hours.

5. Spritz for Moisture

Every 45 minutes, mix apple juice and apple cider vinegar (about 3:1 ratio), and spritz the ribs to keep them moist and flavorful.

6. Baste with BBQ Sauce

In the final hour of cooking, start basting the ribs with BBQ sauce every 20 minutes. This builds layers of caramelized, sticky flavor.

7. Rest & Serve

Once done, let the ribs rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Then cut ‘em up, serve ‘em hot, and watch the crowd go silent in appreciation.

Pro Tips

These Baby Got Back Ribs are more than just good food—they’re a whole vibe. The Coca-Cola soak is your secret weapon to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The spritzing and basting build complexity and depth in the flavor. And don’t be shy with that seasoning! Ribs are meant to be bold.

Wanna take it even further? Throw them on the grill with a final blast of heat after basting to get that sticky, caramelized char. Pair them with classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, or baked beans for the full soul food spread.

About the Creator

This recipe comes from Zion Parker, also known as Chef PZ—a Personal Chef, Recipe Developer, Comedian, and Filmmaker who brings flavor, creativity, and humor to everything he touches. Raised in a home where food meant family, Zion learned the art of cooking from his mother and developed his grilling skills over time, turning Sunday cookouts into an art form.

From Coke-soaked ribs to soul-warming sides, Chef PZ delivers recipes packed with personality and cultural pride. You’ll find his content to be as funny as it is flavorful, blending Southern tradition with modern twists. Follow his journey and explore more delicious content on Instagram at @zzionparker

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Watch the Recipe in Action

Instagram Video: Watch Here