Key West Ribs

Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

Succulent, tender spare ribs glazed with a tangy ketchup, lime, and soy sauce marinade, perfect for gatherings and family dinners with bold, flavorful profiles.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds spare ribs
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Arrange the ribs in a 9-inch pan and cover with just enough water to cook.
  3. Cook the ribs in the oven for 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, mix ketchup, lime juice, soy sauce, and honey in a saucepan and heat until boiling.
  5. Pour off the water from the ribs and cover them with the sauce.
  6. Cook the ribs for an additional 30 minutes or until tender and done.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight. If you're out of lime juice, you can substitute with lemon juice for a similar tang. To enhance the sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce mixture. For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika. This dish pairs beautifully with Best Ever Slaw.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Key West Ribs with a side of Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes for a delightful contrast of flavors. A fresh Summer Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing can also complement the richness of the ribs. Don't forget to offer some extra sauce on the side for those who want a little more flavor!

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 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also reheat them on the grill for a smoky touch.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Key West Ribs contains roughly 1421 calories, with 3g protein, 384g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1316mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).

1421 kcal 71% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 384.2g 100% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 379.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1315.6mg 57% DV
Potassium 398.5mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 4.5mg 5% DV
Calcium 36.1mg 3% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit 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 even beef ribs. Adjust the cooking time as necessary, since different cuts may require longer or shorter cooking times to reach tenderness.

What can I serve with Key West Ribs?

These ribs pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. For a refreshing touch, a light salad like Mimi's Salad would work nicely.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make Key West Ribs in a slow cooker, place the ribs in the cooker, cover with the sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →