Chinese Spareribs (Barbecue)
Chinese Spareribs offer tender, flavorful meat with a savory soy and pineapple marinade, balanced by a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect for gatherings or a weekend treat, this dish delivers smoky, tangy flavors with a glossy finish, topped with a sweet and sour garnish for a delightful presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the spareribs into 2-inch sections.
- Place the spareribs in a large bowl and add soy sauce, pineapple juice, dry sherry, light brown sugar, and crushed garlic.
- Mix well to coat the ribs and marinate for 6 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Cook the marinated ribs in the marinade sauce until tender, adding water as needed.
- Brown the ribs under the broiler flame until nicely caramelized.
- Garnish with sweet and sour sauce (Duck Sauce or Saucy Susan).
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, marinate the spareribs overnight instead of just 6 hours. If you want to reduce the sodium content, consider using low-sodium soy sauce. You can substitute dry sherry with rice wine or apple cider vinegar if needed. To enhance the sweetness, add a bit of honey or agave syrup to the marinade. This recipe pairs beautifully with Green Beans With Water Chestnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese spareribs with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious marinade. A side of stir-fried vegetables or a refreshing salad can balance the richness of the ribs. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Chinese Fried Walnuts for added crunch and flavor. Garnish the dish with sweet and sour sauce for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spareribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but this may result in a less crispy texture. For longer storage, consider freezing the ribs for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Spareribs (Barbecue) contains roughly 221 calories, with 11g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1684mg per serving (73% 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 use pork loin or chicken thighs as alternatives to spareribs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken may take less time to cook than ribs. The marinade will work well with various meats, enhancing their flavor.
How do I know when the ribs are done cooking?
The ribs are done when they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone. You can test them with a fork or knife. If you prefer a more caramelized finish, you can broil them for an additional few minutes after they are fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the ribs the night before and store them in the fridge. They can also be cooked in advance and reheated before serving. Just be sure to keep the ribs in the marinade until you're ready to cook to retain their flavor.
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).