Soul Spareribs

Prep: 45 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Soul Spareribs offer tender, flavorful ribs glazed with a tangy, sweet, and smoky sauce. The combination of orange juice, molasses, and spices creates a rich taste that appeals to barbecue lovers and family gatherings, making it perfect for casual outdoor meals and weekend cookouts.

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Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 lb. spareribs, cut into serving pieces
  • 6 oz. can frozen orange juice, thawed and undiluted
  • 2 Tbsp. molasses
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 4 tsp. grated onion

Instructions

  1. Place ribs in a large kettle.
  2. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
  4. Drain and refrigerate until ready to grill.
  5. Mix all other ingredients to make the sauce.
  6. Place ribs on grill, setting 6 to 8 inches from the heat.
  7. Cook for 15 minutes, then turn and brush with sauce.
  8. Cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, turning and basting frequently.

Tips & Substitutions

For tender ribs, consider marinating them overnight in the sauce after boiling. You can substitute the orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical twist. If you like more heat, increase the Tabasco sauce. Make sure to baste the ribs frequently during grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Soul Spareribs with classic sides such as coleslaw or cornbread for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with Susan Horton's Cranberry Sauce for a sweet contrast. Consider adding grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the ribs.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the ribs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for about 20-30 minutes. This helps retain moisture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Soul Spareribs contains roughly 157 calories, with 3g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and potassium (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2434mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).

157 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.1g 3% DV
Carbs 33.5g 12% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 32.3g 65% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2434.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 797mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 5.2mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 82.2mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 5mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 104.2mg 8% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use baby back ribs or even beef ribs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so monitor them closely while grilling.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add some cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also serve the ribs with a spicy barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Can I prepare the ribs in advance?

Absolutely! You can boil the ribs a day ahead, store them in the refrigerator, and then grill them just before serving. This saves time and 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).

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