"Cheaper By The Dozen" Spareribs

Cook: 90 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Juicy, tender spareribs glazed with a flavorful blend of onions, vinegar, Worcestershire, and spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold, savory flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 3 or 4 lb. spareribs
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 2 tsp. vinegar
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 3/4 c. catsup
  • 3/4 c. water

Instructions

  1. Select meaty spareribs and cut into servings or leave uncut.
  2. Sprinkle the ribs with salt and black pepper.
  3. Place the ribs in a roaster and cover with sliced onions.
  4. Combine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, red pepper, chili powder, catsup, and water.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture over the meat and onions.
  6. Cover and bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for about 1 1/2 hours.
  7. Baste occasionally and turn the spareribs once or twice during baking.
  8. Remove the cover during the last 15 minutes to brown the ribs.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the spareribs in the sauce mixture overnight. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can substitute some of the catsup with barbecue sauce. Make sure to use meaty ribs for the best results. If you want a bit of a kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spareribs with Easy Canned Green Beans and creamy coleslaw for a delightful meal. They also pair beautifully with Simple Golden Punch for a refreshing drink option. For a heartier fare, consider adding cornbread or baked potatoes on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover spareribs should be cooled completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them on low power, but this may affect the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of "Cheaper By The Dozen" Spareribs contains roughly 154 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1342mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).

154 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 1.7g 2% DV
Carbs 35.1g 13% DV
Fiber 9.9g 35% DV
Sugar 9g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1342.4mg 58% DV
Potassium 669.3mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 1.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 46mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 3.5mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 192.6mg 15% DV
Iron 4.8mg 27% 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 use baby back ribs instead of spareribs?

Yes, baby back ribs can be substituted for spareribs in this recipe. However, they cook faster due to their smaller size, so adjust the cooking time to about 1 hour for tender results.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar for a similar umami flavor. This will still keep the dish flavorful and delicious.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make this recipe in a slow cooker, layer the ribs and onions, then pour the sauce over them. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the ribs are tender. This method will infuse the flavors even more.

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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