Barbecue Ribs San Fernando
Tender, smoky barbecue ribs glazed with a tangy, flavorful sauce, perfect for gatherings and family dinners that love bold, savory tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Parboil the ribs: Place one slab of ribs, a quartered onion, 2 cloves, a bay leaf, a celery top, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper in a large pot and barely cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Drain and cool the ribs.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine 12 oz. can of V-8 juice, chili sauce, catsup, lemon juice, prepared mustard, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and grated lemon peel.
- Brush the parboiled ribs with the sauce and grill or bake until heated through, basting periodically with the sauce.
- Serve hot with additional sauce on the side if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight before grilling. You can substitute V-8 juice with tomato juice or vegetable broth in a pinch. If you prefer a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Make sure to grill on medium heat to avoid burning the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecue ribs with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Heartwise Coleslaw to add a refreshing crunch. You can also offer additional sauce on the side for dipping, and serve with pickles or grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, basting with some additional sauce to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Ribs San Fernando contains roughly 205 calories, with 3g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (217% of the Daily Value), potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1037mg per serving (45% 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 baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
Absolutely! Baby back ribs are a leaner option and will work well with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster than spare ribs. Keep an eye on them while grilling to ensure they don't dry out.
What is the best way to grill the ribs?
For the best results, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the ribs bone-side down and grill for about 20-30 minutes, basting with the sauce every 5-10 minutes. This will create a nice caramelized glaze while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before using it to baste the ribs during grilling.
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).