Smokey Oven Ribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Tender, smoky oven ribs coated with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for satisfying gatherings or a hearty family meal with bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. spareribs
  • 3 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cut the ribs into serving size pieces.
  2. Place the ribs in a large Dutch oven.
  3. Add enough water to cover the ribs.
  4. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
  5. Drain the ribs and place them in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight before cooking. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. If you prefer a spicier kick, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce. Liquid smoke can be adjusted based on your taste preference, so start with less and add more as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the smokey oven ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with a refreshing salad or grilled vegetables. For a sweet finish, consider serving with dessert options like Lemon Cheese Cake(No Bake Easy) or No Guilt Brownies(100 Calories Each If Cut In 16 Pieces.)

Storage & Reheating

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave them, but this may result in a less crispy texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Smokey Oven Ribs contains roughly 376 calories, with 9g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

376 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.5g 19% DV
Total Fat 4.2g 5% DV
Carbs 84.2g 31% DV
Fiber 13.8g 49% DV
Sugar 3.4g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 121.9mg 5% DV
Potassium 1009.6mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 11.9mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.4mcg
Vitamin C 110.1mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 89.8mg 7% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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, baby back ribs can be used in this recipe. They are typically more tender and will cook faster, so adjust the simmering time as needed to avoid overcooking.

How can I make the ribs more tender?

To achieve more tender ribs, consider slow-cooking them in the oven at a low temperature (around 225°F or 107°C) for a longer time after boiling. This allows the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! To freeze leftovers, wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming.

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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