Honey Barbecue Spareribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Tender honey-glazed spareribs with a smoky barbecue flavor, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. pork spareribs or pork loin back ribs
  • 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp. honey
  • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. instant minced onion
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cut the spareribs into serving size pieces.
  2. Place ribs, bone side down, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
  3. Cover and roast at 350°F for 1 hour.
  4. Drain the ribs.
  5. Combine lemon juice, honey, vegetable oil, soy sauce, minced onion, paprika, salt, oregano, and garlic powder in a bowl to make the glaze.
  6. Brush some of the glaze on the ribs.
  7. Roast, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes longer until the meat is tender.
  8. Brush the ribs occasionally with the remaining glaze.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the glaze overnight. If you prefer a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the glaze. You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness. Make sure to keep an eye on the ribs during the last roasting period to prevent burning. This recipe is perfect for outdoor cooking, pairing well with sides like The Best Bean Casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the honey barbecue spareribs with coleslaw and cornbread for a complete meal. They also pair well with Great Picnic Baked Beans for a delicious summer feast. For a refreshing drink, serve with iced tea or lemonade. Consider garnishing the ribs with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. For best results, brush with extra glaze before reheating to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Honey Barbecue Spareribs contains roughly 951 calories, with 32g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (519% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2361mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).

951 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 31.7g 63% DV
Total Fat 15.7g 20% DV
Carbs 244.3g 89% DV
Fiber 145.3g 100% DV
Sugar 20.6g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2361.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 4376.9mg 93% DV
Cholesterol 0.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 325.1mcg 36% DV
Vitamin C 8mg 9% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 pork loin back ribs instead of spareribs. They tend to be leaner and cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they remain tender.

What can I serve with the honey barbecue spareribs?

These ribs pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad. For a lighter option, consider serving them with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using to recombine the ingredients, and you’ll save time on cooking day.

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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