Hobo Ribs

Prep: 75 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Hobo Ribs offer tender, smoky-flavored spareribs cooked with a tangy ketchup and barbecue sauce glaze, perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor grilling enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. fresh spareribs
  • 2/3 c. catsup
  • 1/2 c. bottled smoke-flavor barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 c. light corn syrup

Instructions

  1. Simmer the spareribs, covered, in boiling salted water in a kettle for 1 hour or until tender; drain.
  2. Thread the cooked ribs, accordion-style, onto long skewers.
  3. Mix catsup, barbecue sauce, and corn syrup in a small saucepan.
  4. Brush part of the sauce mixture over the ribs.
  5. Place the skewered ribs on the grill about 6 inches above hot coals.
  6. Grill, turning and brushing often with the remaining sauce, for 20 minutes or until richly glazed.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider marinating the ribs in the sauce mixture overnight before cooking. If you don't have light corn syrup, honey or agave syrup can be good substitutes. Make sure to keep an eye on the ribs while grilling to avoid burning; a basting brush helps to evenly distribute the sauce for a rich glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These Hobo Ribs are perfect for a summer barbecue. Serve them with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a hearty meal. For a refreshing touch, try pairing them with a salad dressed in Poppy Seed Dressing(Makes 1 Quart). They also make a great centerpiece for a casual gathering with friends.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the ribs tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hobo Ribs contains roughly 1765 calories, with 95g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 140g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (190% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 550mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

1765 kcal 88% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 94.9g 100% DV
Total Fat 140g 100% DV
Carbs 34.5g 13% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 33.5g 67% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 549.6mg 24% DV
Potassium 1244.2mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 476.3mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.9mcg
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 10mcg 50% DV
Calcium 88.4mg 7% DV
Iron 6.6mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-protein

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, baby back ribs or beef ribs can also work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different cuts may vary in tenderness and size.

Can this recipe be made in the oven?

Absolutely! Instead of grilling, you can bake the ribs in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 hours wrapped in foil, then uncover and brush with sauce for the last 30 minutes to glaze.

What can I do with leftover sauce?

Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week and used as a dip or marinade for other meats. It also complements grilled vegetables or can be drizzled over sandwiches.

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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