Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.

The cola in this recipe plays two roles. First, it helps keep the ribs moist while they are in the oven. Keeping them submerged in liquid keeps them from drying out. Second, it infuses more flavor than just cooking the ribs in water. The final step is to slather it with your favorite barbecue sauce and dig in!
4 pounds country style ribs
1 medium sliced onion
salt and pepper (to taste)
4 cups Pepsi cola
2 cups barbecue sauce
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Place the ribs in a single layer in a baking dish. Top with the onion slices and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.
Place the ribs in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. Carefully add the Pepsi to the baking dish, making sure not to wash the seasonings off the ribs.
Cover with foil and bake for one more hour, or until the ribs are tender.
Remove the ribs from the liquid and place on a cutting board. Generously brush barbecue sauce on all sides of the ribs. Serve immediately with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the cola overnight before cooking.
Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper before baking.
Brush on the barbecue sauce towards the end of the cooking process to prevent burning.
If using a sweeter cola, adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to balance the sweetness.
Finish the ribs on the grill for a smokier flavor before brushing with barbecue sauce.
Experiment with different flavored colas such as cherry cola or spiced cola.
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.
Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the ribs to make sure they are cooked through properly.
The cola helps keep the ribs moist while cooking and adds flavor to the dish.
You can use any cola or soda of your choice, but it may slightly alter the flavor. We do not recommend using diet soda as it can taste bitter when heated.
You can use different types of pork ribs, but cooking times may vary depending on the cut.
No, the cola and barbecue sauce will add enough flavor to the ribs during cooking.
The ribs are done when they are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
You can use homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce, whichever you prefer.
It's recommended to remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs for better texture and flavor.
Store the leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze the ribs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
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reviews & comments
November 18, 2020
I have been making pepsi ribs since the mid 70s. Back then on stove top now in slow cooker. I raised my family on them & they now make them for their families. These ribs are the best
November 12, 2014
Tried this yesterday. And it was DELICIOUS! I did not have 4 pounds of ribs so I had to make some adjustments. 1 pound ribs, 1 medium onion, salt & pepper to taste, 1 can of Pepsi and just enough BBQ sauce to coat. I used a Hickory flavor BBQ sauce. I also put the BBQ coated ribs back in the oven for 15 minutes after draining off the Pepsi just so I was not serving the ribs with room temp BBQ sauce. I think it helped to thicken the sauce some and make it stick to the ribs better. My husband could not stop complimenting them. Which in our house is a pretty big deal! I recommend using more onion than called for (which I did). Other than that it is a perfect recipe. :)
August 23, 2013
I agree, don't use diet cola because you need the sugar in this. Also, use a good bbq sauce not a cheap one because the ribs will get most their flavor from the sauce and you want a good one. I wouldn't use a sweet one either unless you like sweet ribs becaue the cola will add sweetness. Go for smoky or spicy.
August 16, 2009
Awesome. Just don't use diet cola as you need the sugar to make this work. I used a smoky bbq sauce.