Microwave Barbecue Ribs
Juicy, tender barbecue ribs cooked quickly in the microwave, coated in a rich tangy sauce with sweet and savory flavors perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set microwave power to Medium.
- In an oblong baking dish, arrange ribs, sliced onion, and sliced celery.
- Heat, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Cover with plastic wrap; set power to High for 5 minutes, then to Low for 60 minutes or until ribs are tender.
- Rearrange ribs once during cooking and baste with sauce occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, marinate the ribs in the barbecue sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Feel free to adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce to your taste. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This dish is a great companion to classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these ribs with a side of coleslaw or baked beans for a classic barbecue meal. They also pair well with cornbread or potato salad. Consider adding a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, serve them alongside the Easy And Good Meat Loaf for a hearty meal that will please a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, for better texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated to your liking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Barbecue Ribs contains roughly 1426 calories, with 111g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (221% of the Daily Value), iron (110% of the Daily Value), and potassium (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 810mg per serving (35% 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 ribs?
Yes, you can use pork ribs or beef short ribs as specified in the recipe. Baby back ribs are another excellent option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different types of ribs may vary in tenderness.
What if I don't have cider vinegar?
If you don't have cider vinegar, white vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as alternatives. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they will still work well in the sauce.
Can I cook these ribs in a conventional oven instead?
Absolutely! You can bake the ribs in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 2-3 hours or until tender. Just cover them with foil to retain moisture, and baste them with the sauce periodically for added flavor.
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).