Claim Jumper BBQ Baby Back Ribs: Restaurant-Taste at Home

The first time I tasted these Claim Jumper-style baby back ribs, I couldn’t believe they came from my kitchen. This ingenious copycat recipe captures the exact tender, flavorful magic of the restaurant’s famous ribs using an unexpected marinade of Coca-Cola and Italian dressing. The cola’s acidity tenderizes the meat while adding subtle sweetness, and the Italian dressing infuses herbs and spices deep into the pork. Finished with a slathering of barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection, these ribs deliver that authentic Claim Jumper experience. They are fall-off-the-bone tender, sweet, smoky, and irresistible. Best of all, while they require 24 hours of marinating, the actual hands-on cooking time is remarkably brief.

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to these remarkable Claim Jumper-style ribs lies in the unexpected yet effective combination of marinating ingredients. The acidity in Coca-Cola contains natural enzymes that help break down tough meat fibers, resulting in exceptionally tender ribs. Meanwhile, the Italian dressing provides a perfect blend of oils, vinegar, and herbs that penetrate deep into the meat during the extended marination period. The addition of liquid smoke imparts that authentic BBQ pit flavor without needing a smoker. When finished on the grill with Claim Jumper Barbecue Sauce (or your favorite substitute), the sugars caramelize beautifully, creating that perfect sticky, charred exterior while preserving the juicy interior.

Ingredients

• Pork ribs – Provides the meaty foundation with ideal fat content for rich flavor
• Classic Coca-Cola – Acts as a tenderizer while adding subtle caramel sweetness
• Italian salad dressing – Infuses herbs and spices while helping tenderize the meat
• Liquid smoke – Delivers authentic smoky flavor without needing a traditional smoker
• Claim Jumper Barbecue Sauce – Creates the signature sweet-tangy glaze that defines these ribs

Step-by-Step Instructions

For Marinating:

1. In a container large enough to hold the ribs, combine 12 ounces of Classic Coca-Cola, 8 ounces of Italian salad dressing, and 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke.
2. Stir the marinade ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
3. Place 4 pounds of pork ribs in the container, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade.
4. Cover the container tightly or seal the bag and place in the refrigerator.
5. Allow ribs to marinate for at least 24 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even coverage.

For Grilling:

• Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F).
• Remove the ribs from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid.
• Place ribs on the grill and immediately reduce heat to medium.
• Cover and grill for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
• During the last 10 minutes of cooking, begin basting the ribs generously with Claim Jumper Barbecue Sauce.
• Continue turning and basting until the sauce has caramelized and the ribs are cooked through.
• The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and the meat begins to pull away from the bone.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Allow leftover ribs to cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing: These ribs freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then foil, before placing in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat ribs in a 275°F oven for 20 minutes (wrapped in foil with a tablespoon of water added for moisture), then unwrap and broil for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp the exterior. Alternatively, grill on low heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Love BBQ? Try these recipes:

• Applebee’s Riblets
• CPK BBQ Chicken Pizza
• KFC Honey BBQ Wings
• Chili’s Baby Back Ribs
• Panera BBQ Chicken Salad
• Whataburger BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich

Check out my easy pork recipes and the best copycat restaurant recipes on CopyKat!