Chinese Spareribs
Juicy, tender Chinese spareribs coated in a sweet and savory glaze of soy, brown sugar, and ketchup. Perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, these ribs are baked to perfection, offering a rich flavor profile that appeals to meat lovers and fans of Asian-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and ketchup together to create the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the spareribs.
- Roast the ribs for 2 to 3 hours at 350°F.
- Baste the ribs with the sauce while baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the spareribs in the sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight. You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the marinade. This recipe is reminiscent of Chinese Barbecued Spareribs, a delightful option for your next gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Spareribs with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Chinese Marinated Vegetable Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial dinner, add Nicaraguan Fried Rice on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 20 minutes, covering them with foil to keep them moist. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but be careful not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Spareribs contains roughly 149 calories, with 1g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 793mg per serving (34% 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 chicken thighs, although cooking times may vary. Make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is tender. Chicken will generally cook faster, so check for doneness after 1.5 hours.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the ribs a day ahead. Just store the marinated ribs in the fridge and roast them the next day. This will enhance the flavors even more, making them perfect for entertaining.
What can I do if I don't have soy sauce?
If you're out of soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or make a simple substitute using Worcestershire sauce diluted with a bit of water and sugar for sweetness. Adjust to taste as each alternative may differ slightly in 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).