Braised Spicy Spareribs
A flavorful, spicy braised spareribs dish with a rich sauce, perfect for hearty dinners. Its bold flavors appeal to meat lovers and those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Ingredients
- 4 lb spareribs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 3 whole cloves ⓘ
- 3 whole allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper to season the spareribs.
- Brown the seasoned spareribs slowly in oil.
- While the meat is browning, prepare the sauce by dissolving catsup in hot water and adding Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, celery salt, cayenne pepper, cloves, allspice, bay leaf, and minced garlic.
- Place the browned meat into a roasting pan.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the meat.
- Add chopped onions to the pan.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1.5 hours.
- Remove the meat from the oven and transfer it to a warm serving platter with a slotted spoon.
- Keep the meat warm.
- Pour the sauce into a saucepan and skim off excess grease.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and gradually add a mixture of flour and water to thicken, stirring constantly.
- Serve the braised spareribs with mashed potatoes, with extra sauce on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider marinating the spareribs overnight in the dry seasonings. You can substitute the beef bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon for a lighter flavor or use low-sodium options to reduce saltiness. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the braised spareribs with creamy mashed potatoes, which absorb the delicious sauce beautifully. For a refreshing contrast, a side of coleslaw or steamed green beans complements the flavors well. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Lime Applesauce Jello for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover braised spareribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Spicy Spareribs contains roughly 964 calories, with 25g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (219% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2879mg per serving (125% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute spareribs with pork belly or beef short ribs for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as different meats may require varying lengths to become tender.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the soy sauce and any additional ingredients you use are also gluten-free. This will maintain the dish's integrity while accommodating dietary needs.
What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then slowly adding it to the sauce while stirring. Bring it to a simmer until thickened. Alternatively, let it simmer longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
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).