Barbecued Country Spareribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 85 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Tender, flavorful barbecued country spareribs with a tangy tomato-based sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor dinners, appealing to meat lovers and barbecue enthusiasts.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 lb. country style spareribs
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. celery salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup catsup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. Cut spareribs into strips.
  3. Lay in a roasting pan fat side up.
  4. Arrange onion slices over spareribs.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes until they begin to brown.
  6. Combine salt, paprika, celery salt, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and catsup in a small pan; mix well.
  7. Bring the sauce to a boil.
  8. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
  9. Pour sauce over spareribs.
  10. Turn the spareribs to coat with sauce.
  11. Bake for 1 hour or until tender, basting every 15 minutes with sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, marinate the spareribs overnight in the sauce mixture. If you prefer a sweeter profile, substitute honey for brown sugar. Adjust the vinegar to your taste; apple cider vinegar can add a nice tang. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can serve as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Always check the ribs for tenderness before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Barbecued Country Spareribs pair beautifully with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic Southern meal. Consider serving them alongside baked beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete spread. For a twist, try them with Sweet Squash Pickles to balance the savory flavors. Don't forget to have extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover spareribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also warm them in the microwave, but the oven will help maintain their texture better.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecued Country Spareribs contains roughly 150 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2355mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

150 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 2.8g 4% DV
Carbs 32.7g 12% DV
Fiber 12.6g 45% DV
Sugar 17.3g 35% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2354.8mg 100% DV
Potassium 1706.6mg 36% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 491.5mcg 55% DV
Vitamin C 28.9mg 32% DV
Calcium 233.8mg 18% DV
Iron 5.4mg 30% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 cook these ribs on a grill instead of the oven?

Yes, you can grill the spareribs for a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat, cook the ribs for about 2 hours, turning occasionally, and baste with sauce during the last 30 minutes for a delicious caramelized finish.

What can I do if my ribs are tough?

If your ribs turn out tough, you may not have cooked them long enough at a low temperature. Consider wrapping them in foil and returning them to the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F) for an additional hour to help tenderize them further.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the spareribs with jackfruit or cauliflower. Use the same marinade and cooking method, adjusting the cooking time as needed. This will give you a delicious barbecue flavor without the meat.

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).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →