Herbed Barbecued Ribs

Prep: 120 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Herbed barbecued ribs feature tender, flavorful meat coated with a savory herb marinade, perfect for outdoor gatherings and loved by barbecue enthusiasts and family dinners alike.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. spareribs
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 Tbsp. catsup
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp. dried whole rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp. dried whole basil, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut the ribs into serving size pieces and place them in a large, shallow dish.
  2. Combine tomato sauce, chopped onion, brown sugar, water, catsup, vegetable oil, crushed rosemary, crushed basil, and pepper in a bowl, mixing well.
  3. Pour the marinade over the ribs, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  4. Drain the ribs, reserving the marinade.
  5. Grill the ribs over medium hot coals for 30 minutes, turning frequently.
  6. Grill an additional 15 to 30 minutes, turning and basting frequently with the reserved marinade.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the ribs overnight. If you don't have fresh herbs, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs instead. For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. If you're short on time, you can bake the ribs in a preheated oven at 300°F instead of grilling. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Mother'S Party Mix for a delightful meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the herbed barbecued ribs with classic sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete meal. You could also pair them with a light salad or baked beans for added flavor. For a refreshing dessert, consider serving with Fruit Topping (Green Stuff) to balance the rich flavors of the ribs.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes to restore their smoky flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Herbed Barbecued Ribs contains roughly 495 calories, with 18g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (315% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

495 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.5g 35% DV
Total Fat 13.1g 17% DV
Carbs 82.8g 30% DV
Fiber 12.5g 45% DV
Sugar 64.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 257.1mg 11% DV
Potassium 1216.6mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 41.7mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 73.7mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 283.2mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 123.8mg 10% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 substitute spareribs with baby back ribs or beef ribs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require varying grilling times to become tender.

What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?

If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use barbecue sauce as a substitute or blend canned tomatoes with a little sugar and vinegar to create a similar flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to match your taste.

Can I make this recipe in advance for a gathering?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and ribs a day ahead, allowing them to marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This will deepen the flavors and make your cooking time easier when serving guests.

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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