I grew up a fan a Big Red soda living in Texas and rediscovered its allure a few years ago when I relocated from the East Coast to Memphis, TN.

Known for its unique flavor profile (I've always found it to have a bit of a bubblegum vibe going on) and bright red color, Big Red provides an unexpected twist to traditional smoked ribs with this Big Red Rib Glaze recipe from hardcore carnivore Jess Pryles (you can check out more about Jess and see more of her amazing recipe here.  Also check out the original Big Red Ribs recipe here)!

"This glaze is a perfect match for pork ribs, with its sweet cherry notes. Apply glaze towards the end of the cook time to give ribs a sticky, sweet and shiny finish. If you prefer a spicier kick, add in an extra ½ tsp of cayenne powder! This glaze can also be used on other pork dishes, too." - Jess Pryles

BIG RED RIB GLAZE by Jess Pryles

Ingredients

1 x 20oz bottle of Big Red soda

1 cup ketchup

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

½ cup cider vinegar

½ cup water

½ tsp pepper

2 tsp salt

2 tbsp cherry jam

2 tbsp brown sugar

½ tsp cayenne

Instructions

Pour Big Red into a small saucepan, and place over low/medium heat to reduce. You want to get the soda down to a syrup, reducing by nearly 6 times. The final amount left in your pan when properly reduced should be approx. 1/2 cup.

In another pan, combine all other ingredients over low heat and mix well. Add in reduced Big Red syrup and allow mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Cool slightly, then apply to ribs 15-20 minutes before end of cook time, allowing glaze to set and gel before serving.

Store in airtight glass jar for up to one week in the refrigerator.

ABOUT JESS PRYLES

Jess Pryles is a full-fledged Hardcore Carnivore. She’s a cook, writer, and TV personality specializing in red meat, with penchant for grilling and bourbon. She's also a respected authority on Texas & competition style barbecue. Born in Australia, she now resides in Austin, Texas.

ABOUT BIG RED

Big Red Inc. is one of the top 10 beverage companies in North America with a history dating back to 1937. Along with Big Red®, recognized as the number-one selling red soda, Big Red Inc. also markets beverage brands Big Red Zero®, Big Blue®, Big Peach®, Big Pineapple®, NuGrape®, and Nesbitt’s® products. Distributed widely throughout the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Independent Bottlers and Pepsi Beverages Company, consumers across the country enjoy Big Red Inc.’s beverages.  For more information, please visit www.bigred.com.