Sauerkraut Spareribs
Savory sauerkraut pairs with tender spareribs and seasoned chicken, complemented by melted cheeses on Italian bread for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 large can sauerkraut ⓘ
- 3 or 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup barbecue sauce or less ⓘ
- 2 or more pounds spareribs ⓘ
- 12 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) 12-inch Italian bread shell (Boboli brand) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse chicken; pat dry with paper towels.
- Cut chicken into 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine half of the sliced green onion, the minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces; stir to coat.
- Let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Drain the chicken, reserving the marinade.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the spareribs, consider marinating them overnight in the barbecue sauce for a richer taste. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the spareribs with firm tofu or tempeh, which can absorb the flavors well. Additionally, when choosing potatoes, opt for waxy varieties like red or new potatoes for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauerkraut spareribs hot, garnished with remaining green onions for a fresh touch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy Cole Slaw Healthy Eating for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with cornbread or a simple green salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave for quick warming or place in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauerkraut Spareribs contains roughly 1280 calories, with 52g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (104% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and iron (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spareribs are traditional, you can use pork shoulder, beef ribs, or even chicken thighs for a different flavor profile. Cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure all meats are tender and cooked through.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Yes, to amp up the heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add fresh jalapeños to the marinade. You could also serve the dish with a side of spicy barbecue sauce for dipping, catering to those who enjoy a fiery kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Certainly! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauerkraut and ribs a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, combine all ingredients and bake as directed. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).