Ruth Bruce'S Apricot Ribs
Tender ribs glazed with a sweet and tangy apricot sauce, infused with soy, lemon, garlic, ginger, and a hint of hot pepper. Perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors that appeal to both meat lovers and those seeking a flavorful, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place ribs in a large heavy pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and simmer gently until tender.
- Remove ribs from water and place in a baking pan.
- Baste ribs with the apricot sauce.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, basting frequently.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the apricot sauce mixture overnight. You can substitute peach or mango preserves if apricot is unavailable. If you want a lower-sugar option, try using a sugar-free fruit preserve. Adjust the level of hot pepper sauce to suit your heat preference, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apricot ribs with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, or pair with baked beans for a hearty meal. They also go well with cornbread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider offering a light dessert like Fruit Salad Or Dessert to cleanse the palate.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for quicker reheating, but be cautious to not dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth Bruce'S Apricot Ribs contains roughly 81 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2245mg per serving (98% 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 use chicken or pork chops instead of ribs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will cook faster than beef ribs. For chicken, bake it for about 25 minutes after basting with the sauce.
How do I know when the ribs are tender enough?
Ribs are tender when they easily pull apart with a fork and the meat has shrunk back from the bone slightly. This usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering, depending on the thickness of the ribs.
Can I prepare the apricot sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apricot sauce a day or two ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It may thicken slightly, so you might want to warm it slightly before using it to baste the ribs.
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).