Easy Spareribs

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy and tender spareribs cooked in a simple, flavorful sauce of vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and water. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it ideal for casual family dinners or weekend gatherings with friends.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. country spareribs
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 4 Tbsp. sugar
  • 5 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 c. water

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a heavy pan and bring to a boil.
  2. Cook on high heat for 45 minutes.
  3. Stir every 10 minutes until all the sauce is gone.
  4. Turn to low heat; fat becomes oil and ribs are tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the spareribs in the vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to add more sugar. You can also substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as thinner ribs may cook faster than thicker ones.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these easy spareribs with a side of coleslaw or cornbread for a classic meal. They pair beautifully with Amanda'S Punch for a refreshing drink. You can also add a side of grilled vegetables or baked beans to round out the dish. For a lighter option, consider serving with a simple salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover spareribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the ribs with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. They can also be reheated gently in a skillet on the stove.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Spareribs contains roughly 216 calories, with 2g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1076mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

216 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 41.6g 15% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 34.1g 68% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1076.2mg 47% DV
Potassium 339.6mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 2.7mg 3% DV
Calcium 67.5mg 5% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% 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 a different type of ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs as alternatives. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary; baby back ribs will typically cook faster. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure they're tender and flavorful.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, place the ribs and sauce ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This will result in very tender ribs that easily fall off the bone.

What can I serve alongside these spareribs?

These spareribs pair well with classic sides like potato salad or baked beans. For something refreshing, consider a cucumber salad or roasted corn on the cob. You can also try serving them with Orange Gelatin Salad for a sweet contrast.

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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