Cola Barbecued Ribs

Directions

Spice rub and ribs: Mix together sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, and five spice powder until well combined and no lumps remain.

Reserve 1 tablespoon for making sauce later.

Dry ribs with paper towels and rub all over wit remaining spice mixture.

At this stage, ribs can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃).

Wrap ribs with foil, then place onto rimmed baking sheet.

Bake for about 2 hours until meat is tender and falls apart.

Meanwhile make the sauce. Bring cola and onions to boil in medium sauce pan.

Reduce heat to medium and simmer until liquid is reduced to ½ cup, about 20 minutes.

Transfer mixture teaspoon fine-mesh strainer set over bowl and press on solids to collect as much liquid as possible, discard solids.

Return liquid to pot.

Whisk ketchup, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and reserved spice mixture into pot with reduced onion infused cola.

Simmer until sauce becomes slightly thickened, about 8 minutes.

Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla extract and liquid smoke.

Once pork is cooked, remove from oven, and turn on broiler.

Generously brush ribs with thickened sauce until ribs are well covered. Reserve a few tablespoons for serving.

Broil for a few minutes until sauce is sizzling. Watch carefully to prevent ribs from burning.

Remove from oven, and place onto large platter.

Serve warm with reserved sauce.