Microwave Southern Barbecued Ribs
Juicy, tender Southern-style barbecue ribs cooked in the microwave with a sweet and savory glaze, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange the ribs, meaty side down, in an oblong baking dish.
- Combine barbecue sauce, honey or dark corn syrup, flour, and soy sauce; pour over the ribs.
- Cover with wax paper.
- Heat on High for 10 minutes, then cook on Medium-low for 25 to 30 minutes, or until ribs are tender.
- Halfway through cooking, turn the ribs over and rearrange.
- Spoon the sauce over the ribs before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a barbecue sauce that you love, as it will greatly influence the flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a touch of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can substitute honey with dark corn syrup if desired. Make sure to cover the dish tightly to trap steam, which helps in tenderizing the ribs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tender ribs with classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a true Southern experience. They pair beautifully with Mcgee'S Cracklin Corn Bread for added texture and flavor. Drizzle some extra barbecue sauce on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, they can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Southern Barbecued Ribs contains roughly 69 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2096mg per serving (91% 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 meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for other cuts of pork, such as country-style ribs or even chicken wings. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require more or less time to become tender.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
Ribs are done when they are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F for pork, but for optimal tenderness, aim for around 190°F.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs and sauce in advance, then cover and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, simply heat them in the microwave as directed in the recipe. This can also enhance the flavor as the ribs soak in the sauce overnight.
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).