Barbecue Sauce For Spareribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A rich and smoky barbecue sauce perfect for spareribs, combining tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and savory tomato sauce. Its hearty flavor complements grilled or baked ribs, making it ideal for gatherings or weekend cookouts. A classic sauce that enhances every bite with bold, delicious taste.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. fat
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 3 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 Tbsp. mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 can tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown the ribs in hot fat.
  2. Remove the ribs from the pan.
  3. Brown the chopped onion in the fat.
  4. Add water, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and tomato sauce to the pan.
  5. Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes.
  6. Pour the sauce over the ribs.
  7. Bake uncovered in a moderate oven at 325° to 350°F for 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the sauce. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, a mixture of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar can serve as a substitute. You can also use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. Make sure to brown the ribs well to enhance the sauce's depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spareribs with a side of classic coleslaw or cornbread for a true barbecue feast. They pair beautifully with Stuffed Sweet Potatoes to add a healthy twist to your meal. For a refreshing side, consider a light Pea Salad. Don't forget to have extra barbecue sauce on hand for dipping!

Storage & Reheating

Leftover barbecue sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Sauce For Spareribs contains roughly 291 calories, with 1g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1918mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).

291 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 15.6g 20% DV
Carbs 37.1g 14% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 27.6g 55% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1918.2mg 83% DV
Potassium 134.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 12.3mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 40.6mg 3% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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 for this barbecue sauce?

Absolutely! This barbecue sauce works well with chicken, pork chops, or even grilled vegetables for a vegan option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat's thickness to ensure it's fully cooked and tender.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If your barbecue sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually while heating the sauce to ensure it blends well without losing flavor.

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, this barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a day enhances the flavors. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you're ready to use it with your spareribs.

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).

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