Spareribs Chinese-Style

Prep: 10 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Chinese-Style Spareribs are tender, flavorful, and caramelized, perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family dinner with rich, savory, and sweet notes.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. spareribs
  • 1 c. water
  • 3 Tbsp. ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. spareribs sauce
  • 1 tsp. garlic salt
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Bake the spareribs in the oven at 350°F until fat runs out, about 1 hour.
  2. Combine water, ketchup, brown sugar, spareribs sauce, and garlic salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  3. Pour the sauce over the baked ribs.
  4. Cook the ribs with the sauce for 1 1/2 hours more, basting regularly until the sauce is gone.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra flavor boost, marinate the spareribs in the sauce overnight before baking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness or use soy sauce instead of spareribs sauce if unavailable. Make sure to baste the ribs in the sauce frequently for maximum flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Chinese-style spareribs are best served with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair them with Spicy Stir-Fry Vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side. You can also include a light salad or some pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast. Don't forget to provide extra sauce for dipping!

Storage & Reheating

Leftover spareribs 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 aluminum foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes. This helps prevent the ribs from drying out while ensuring they are heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spareribs Chinese-Style contains roughly 256 calories, with 2g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 542mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

256 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 1.7g 2% DV
Carbs 59.9g 22% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 59g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 541.9mg 24% DV
Potassium 126.3mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 7.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.1mcg
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 53mg 4% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% 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 cut of meat instead of spareribs?

Yes, you can use baby back ribs or pork belly as alternatives. However, cooking times may vary, so ensure to adjust accordingly. Baby back ribs will likely cook faster, so keep an eye on them in the oven.

What can I serve with these spareribs?

These spareribs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with Oriental Stir-Fry Vegetables for a vibrant dish or some steamed rice to balance the flavors. For a refreshing touch, add a simple cucumber salad on the side.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the spareribs sauce is labeled gluten-free or replace it with a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always check labels on ketchup and other condiments to avoid hidden gluten sources.

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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