Grilled Pork Spareribs
Juicy grilled pork spareribs infused with smoky, tangy flavors from mustard greens, vinegar, and peppers, perfect for summer barbecues and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch mustard greens ⓘ
- 1 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 4 pickled Louisiana peppers ⓘ
- 2 quarts tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon white corn syrup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch granulated jalapeno ⓘ
- 1 ounce tequila ⓘ
Instructions
- Season ribs with granulated garlic, black pepper, lemon pepper, and salt.
- In a saucepan, add mustard greens, vinegar, pickled peppers, and 4 cups water.
- Bring to a boil, then strain the mixture.
- Add remaining ingredients and 1 cup of water to the saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce for 1 1/2 hours.
- Pour the sauce over the ribs, add 1/2 cup of water to the pan, cover with a tight lid, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the ribs overnight with your favorite spices. If you can't find mustard greens, collard greens or kale work well as substitutes. To enhance the sauce, consider adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preference. If you like a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Grilled Pork Spareribs with a side of cornbread or coleslaw for a classic BBQ experience. They pair beautifully with Citrus And Rosemary Grilled Pork for a flavor-packed meal. Consider adding pickled vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the ribs. A chilled beer or a sweet iced tea complements the dish perfectly.
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 baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Pork Spareribs contains roughly 139 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (190% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1775mg per serving (77% 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 beef short ribs or chicken thighs as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken cooks faster, while beef may require longer to become tender.
What can I do if I don't have liquid smoke?
If you don't have liquid smoke, you can use smoked paprika or omit it altogether. For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the ribs over charcoal or adding a few drops of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include fresh chopped jalapeños to the sauce. You could also substitute the pickled Louisiana peppers with a spicier variety, depending on your heat tolerance.
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).