Barbecued Spareribs

Prep: 60 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Barbecued spareribs are a mouthwatering dish featuring tender pork slathered in a sweet and tangy sauce made from currant jelly and lemon juice. Perfect for gatherings, these ribs are sure to impress with their juicy flavor and satisfying texture, making them a favorite for barbecue lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. pork spareribs
  • 1 (10 oz.) jar currant jelly
  • 1/2 c. lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel

Instructions

  1. On the day before, cut the spareribs into 2-rib portions.
  2. In a large pot over high heat, bring enough water to cover the ribs to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Drain the ribs and refrigerate them.
  5. Grill the ribs for 50 minutes until desired doneness.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your spareribs, consider marinating them overnight with the currant jelly and lemon juice mixture. If you don't have currant jelly, apricot or grape jelly can serve as a suitable substitute. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 4 tablespoons. Remember to preheat your grill to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your barbecued spareribs with classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a delightful meal. They pair beautifully with Black-Eyed Peas for a hearty, Southern-inspired dinner. For an extra touch, brush some additional currant jelly on the ribs during the last few minutes of grilling for a glossy finish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecued spareribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the ribs in aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a smoky flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecued Spareribs contains roughly 267 calories, with 4g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1617mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).

267 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 3.6g 5% DV
Carbs 53.3g 19% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 6.6g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1617.2mg 70% DV
Potassium 540.3mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 9mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 0mg
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 40.5mg 3% DV
Iron 0.6mg 4% DV
Diet fit 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pork spareribs with baby back ribs or beef short ribs, though cooking times may vary. Adjust the simmering time based on the thickness of the meat to ensure tenderness.

How can I make the ribs spicier?

To add some heat, include cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the currant jelly mixture. You can also brush the ribs with a spicy barbecue sauce during the last minutes of grilling for added flavor.

Is it necessary to boil the ribs before grilling?

Boiling the ribs helps to tenderize the meat and reduce grilling time. However, if you prefer a smoky flavor, you can marinate and grill them directly, though they may require longer cooking times on the grill.

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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