Barbie'S Apple Butter Country Ribs
Juicy country-style pork ribs coated in a sweet and tangy apple butter sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners or weekend gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. county-style pork ribs ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 14 oz. jar apple butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup white vinegar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- dash of red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Place ribs in a large Dutch oven, add water to cover, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes or until tender.
- Drain well and sprinkle with salt and pepper; set aside.
- Combine apple butter and remaining ingredients in a saucepan; stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 250-300°F (120-150°C).
- Coat ribs generously with apple butter sauce, place on a cookie sheet, and bake for 1 hour.
- Baste occasionally with sauce during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, marinate the ribs in the apple butter sauce overnight. You can substitute the apple butter with other fruit preserves like peach or apricot for a different taste. If you're short on time, you can skip simmering the ribs and bake them at a higher temperature, but they may not be as tender. Consider serving with Sweet-Sour Swiss Chard for a colorful side.
Serving Suggestions
These apple butter country ribs are perfect for a family gathering or barbecue. Serve them alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a classic comfort meal. They pair beautifully with Hot Poppy Seed Ham Rolls for a delightful spread. For a refreshing side, try a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but this may result in a less crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbie'S Apple Butter Country Ribs contains roughly 318 calories, with 7g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (142% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 ribs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use baby back ribs or spare ribs instead of country-style pork ribs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different cuts vary in tenderness. Baby back ribs will typically cook faster, so keep an eye on them while simmering and baking.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more red pepper or even some cayenne pepper to the apple butter sauce for an extra kick. Additionally, incorporating a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture can elevate the heat level to your desired taste. Just be sure to adjust gradually.
How do I know when the ribs are done cooking?
The ribs are done when they are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily. After simmering, you can check by gently pulling on the meat with a fork; if it comes apart easily, they're ready for the oven. Keep in mind that the baking step will further enhance their tenderness.
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).