Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
Copycat Claim Jumper Ribs
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These aren't just any ribs, they're Claim Jumper ribs, marinated in a concoction that's part backyard genius, part culinary wizardry.
serves/makes:
ready in:
over 5 hrs
over 5 hrs
1 review
ingredients
3 1/2 pounds pork or beef ribs
1 can (12 ounce size) classic Coca cola
1 bottle (8 ounce size) Italian salad dressing
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
Claim Jumper BBQ sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce
directions
Place the ribs in a non-reactive container. Combine the cola, salad dressing, and liquid smoke in a bowl. Pour over the ribs, coating them evenly.
Cover the ribs and refrigerate for 24 hours, turning the ribs occasionally so they marinate evenly.
When ready to grill the ribs, preheat the grill.
Remove the ribs from the marinade (discard the marinade). Place the ribs on the grill and cook, basting with the BBQ sauce occasionally, until cooked through and tender, 2-4 hours depending on the type of ribs.
recipe tips
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption and tenderness.
Bring the ribs to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
Use indirect heat for grilling to prevent burning and allow for thorough cooking.
Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature.
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Apply the final coat of BBQ sauce just before removing the ribs from the grill to prevent burning.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who prefer more sauce.
Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
common recipe questions
What type of ribs are best for this recipe?
Both pork and beef ribs work well. Pork ribs are generally more tender and cook faster, while beef ribs are larger and have a stronger flavor.
Why use Coca-Cola in the marinade?
Coca-Cola in the marinade helps tenderize the meat due to its acidity and adds a unique sweetness to the marinade.
Can I use a different type of cola?
Yes, any cola will work, but classic Coca-Cola is recommended for its specific flavor. We don't recommend using diet cola as that can add a bitter taste to the recipe.
Is it necessary to marinate for 24 hours?
Marinating for 24 hours allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply, but if short on time, a minimum of 4-6 hours can still be effective.
Can I use a different salad dressing instead of Italian?
Italian dressing is preferred for its herb and vinegar content, which complements the ribs' flavor. However, you can experiment with other dressings or vinaigrettes.
What's the purpose of liquid smoke in the marinade?
Liquid smoke adds a smoky flavor to the ribs, mimicking the taste of traditional wood-smoked ribs.
How do I know when the ribs are fully cooked?
Ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. An internal temperature of 145 degrees F for pork and 165 degrees F for beef is recommended.
Can I cook these ribs in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the ribs in the oven at 275 degrees F, covered, for about 2-3 hours, then finish them off on the grill for added char and flavor.
How often should I baste the ribs with BBQ sauce?
Baste the ribs every 30 minutes to keep them moist and to build up a layer of flavor.
Can I prepare these ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate and cook the ribs a day in advance. Reheat them on the grill or in the oven before serving.
nutrition data
986 calories, 84 grams fat, 11 grams carbohydrates, 44 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
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reviews & comments
May 3, 2013
I didn't have claim jumper sauce so I just used what I had. This is a good recipe, the cola and dressing seemed like an odd combination but they really marinate the ribs well. I used pork ribs.