Mom'S Favorite Spareribs
Mom's Favorite Spareribs feature tender ribs coated in a savory pineapple soy glaze, blending tangy, sweet, and umami flavors perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 3/4 cup of vinegar and 6 cups of boiling water to a boil; add ribs.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Drain and discard the water.
- Cut ribs into 2-inch serving pieces.
- Put cornstarch in a large bowl; add soy sauce and grated garlic. Mix well.
- Turn ribs over and over to coat all pieces with the marinade.
- Let stand for 30 minutes.
- Heat salad oil in a large pot.
- Add marinated ribs; brown slowly and thoroughly.
- Remove ribs from the skillet. Pour pineapple chunks, remaining 1/4 cup of vinegar, and sugar into the skillet.
- Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the browned ribs back into the skillet.
- Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the remaining cornstarch mixture from marinade, pineapple chunks, and green bell pepper.
- Cook over high heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Serve hot with rice and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the spareribs overnight instead of just 30 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. You can substitute the pineapple chunks with canned peaches for a different twist, or use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spareribs hot over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. They pair wonderfully with side dishes like Chinese Green Beans or Fried Dumplings for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch and consider a light salad or Vegetable Deluxe to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spareribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out, covering with a lid for even warming. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Favorite Spareribs contains roughly 420 calories, with 15g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (381% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2146mg per serving (93% 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 baby back ribs instead of spareribs?
Yes, you can use baby back ribs if you prefer. They will cook more quickly than spareribs, so adjust the boiling time to about 5 minutes. The flavor will be slightly different, but they'll still turn out delicious with the marinade and sauce.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add spice, incorporate red pepper flakes or Sriracha into the marinade or sauce. You could also serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for a personalized kick.
What can I serve alongside these spareribs?
These spareribs are best served with rice, but you can also pair them with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli-tofu-stir-fry or Oriental Fried Peppers And Onions. A simple cucumber salad would add a refreshing crunch and a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
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).