Oven Barbecue Spareribs

Prep: 480 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy oven-baked spareribs glazed with a tangy barbecue sauce, boasting bold spices and tender meat, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. celery seed
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped onion
  • 2 1/2 lb. ribs

Instructions

  1. Pour sauce over ribs, let stand several hours in refrigerator, preferably overnight.
  2. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
  3. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven about 2 hours or until tender.
  4. Remove foil during the last few minutes to brown the meat.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight. You can substitute the tomato sauce with a barbecue sauce for a different taste. If you prefer a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper to the spice mix. For a tangy twist, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tender spareribs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. They pair beautifully with Sweet 'N' Dill Pickles for a refreshing crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Homemade Fried Pies for dessert, creating a delightful American recipes spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on a grill for a few minutes to add some extra char.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Oven Barbecue Spareribs contains roughly 283 calories, with 20g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2243mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).

283 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.5g 41% DV
Total Fat 16.3g 21% DV
Carbs 21.4g 8% DV
Fiber 10.6g 38% DV
Sugar 7.2g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2243.2mg 98% DV
Potassium 824.4mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 51mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 594.2mcg 66% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 103.7mg 8% DV
Iron 7.4mg 41% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 cut of meat instead of spareribs?

Yes, you can use baby back ribs or even pork shoulder if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as needed; baby back ribs may cook faster, while shoulder may take longer due to the different thicknesses.

Is it necessary to cover the ribs with foil while baking?

Covering the ribs with foil helps to retain moisture, ensuring tender meat. However, if you prefer a crispy exterior, you can remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow for browning.

What can I do if I don't have celery seed?

If you're out of celery seed, you can substitute with a combination of ground celery and a pinch of salt, or simply omit it altogether. The dish will still be flavorful with the other spices and ingredients.

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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