Appetizer Spareribs
Savory spareribs glazed with a flavorful mixture of molasses, mustard, lemon, soy, and Worcestershire, perfect for casual gatherings and satisfying meat lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have sparerib racks cut into 3-inch lengthwise strips.
- Cut strips into individual ribs.
- Place in a shallow baking pan.
- Blend together molasses and mustard.
- Stir in lemon juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and cayenne.
- Mix well.
- Brush spareribs with part of the sauce.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours, brushing often with remaining sauce.
- Drain on paper towels.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the spareribs in the sauce overnight before baking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, consider substituting honey for molasses. Adjust the cayenne to suit your heat preference, or omit it for kid-friendly spareribs. To ensure even cooking, make sure the ribs are cut into uniform sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spareribs as a delicious appetizer at your next gathering, pairing them with sides like Crispy Cole Slaw or Honey Sugared Pecans for a perfect balance. They also make a great main dish alongside baked beans or cornbread. For a refreshing finish, try a light salad such as Rose'S Fruit Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spareribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through, brushing with additional sauce for moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Appetizer Spareribs contains roughly 1160 calories, with 44g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (331% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (291% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1287mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of spareribs?
Yes, you can substitute spareribs with baby back ribs or even chicken wings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken wings will require less time to bake, typically about 30-40 minutes.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, place the ribs in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until tender and flavorful.
What can I do if I don't have all the ingredients on hand?
If you're missing ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, you can make a substitute by mixing soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and a bit of sugar. For lemon juice, vinegar or lime juice can work as alternatives. Feel free to get creative!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).