Connie'S Barbecue Spareribs From Taiwan

Prep: 720 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Tender, flavorful spareribs coated in a sweet and savory sauce with soy, ketchup, and vinegar, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners with rich Asian-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • vinegar to taste (about 2 Tbsp.)
  • 2 lb. country style spareribs

Instructions

  1. Combine soy sauce, sugar, ketchup, water, and vinegar to make the sauce.
  2. Cut the spareribs into small pieces and soak them overnight in the prepared sauce.
  3. Bake in a shallow pan at 275°F (135°C) for about 3 hours, spooning the sauce over the meat occasionally.
  4. Alternatively, cook quickly at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour if necessary.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the spareribs for up to 24 hours. You can substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar for a different sweetness profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Remember to check the ribs for tenderness as cooking times may vary based on size and thickness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these spareribs with steamed rice and a side of Gingered Zucchini for a balanced meal. They also pair well with a fresh salad or coleslaw to cut through the richness. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside Chinese Noodle Crispies 'Spiders' for an interesting texture contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers 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 preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes, basting with reserved sauce for added moisture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Connie'S Barbecue Spareribs From Taiwan contains roughly 330 calories, with 6g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value) and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

330 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.8g 12% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 83.8g 30% DV
Fiber 3.5g 12% DV
Sugar 53.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 953.2mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 59mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 31.1mg 35% DV
Calcium 61.8mg 5% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% 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, you can use pork chops or chicken thighs instead of spareribs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may require less time to become tender. The sauce will still enhance the flavor of any meat you choose.

Is it necessary to soak the ribs overnight?

Soaking the ribs overnight helps infuse them with flavor, but if you're short on time, marinating them for at least 2 hours will still yield delicious results. Just ensure to coat them well with the sauce.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Place the marinated ribs in the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until they are tender. This method allows for easy preparation and gives you tender, flavorful ribs.

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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