Cantonese Style Spareribs

Cook: 120 min Cuisine: Chinese

Delicious Cantonese-style spareribs featuring a sweet and savory orange marmalade glaze, perfect for gatherings and satisfying those craving bold, flavorful Asian-inspired dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. country style spareribs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh gingerroot

Instructions

  1. Place ribs, meaty side down, in a shallow roasting pan.
  2. Roast in a very hot oven (450°F) for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove meat from oven; drain excess fat from ribs.
  4. Turn ribs, meaty side up.
  5. Lower oven temperature to 350°F; continue roasting for 1 hour.
  6. Pour orange marmalade sauce over ribs; roast 30 minutes longer, basting occasionally with the sauce, or until tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, marinate the spareribs in the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a few hours or overnight to enhance flavor. If you don't have orange marmalade, honey or apricot preserves can be substituted for a similar sweetness. Adjust the garlic according to your taste; roasted garlic can also add a nice depth to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cantonese style spareribs with steamed rice or Fried Rice With Peanuts for a complete meal. Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or stir-fried vegetables to balance the rich flavors. For a unique twist, try serving them alongside Chocolate Chinese Noodle Clusters for an unexpected dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover spareribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to dry them out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cantonese Style Spareribs contains roughly 182 calories, with 3g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2097mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

182 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 44.8g 16% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 37.1g 74% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2097.1mg 91% DV
Potassium 235.7mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 27.7mg 31% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 32.9mg 3% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

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 another type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, while country style spareribs are traditional, you can substitute them with pork loin or chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken will require less time to reach tenderness.

What can I do if my ribs are tough after cooking?

If the ribs are tough, they may need more cooking time. Cover them with foil and return to the oven, checking every 15 minutes until tender. Adding a little more liquid can also help create steam and tenderness.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

To make this dish healthier, consider using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing the amount of marmalade. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to enhance the meal's nutritional value.

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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