Steamed Barbecued Spareribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Tender spareribs are steamed in a flavorful barbecue sauce with a smoky, tangy kick, perfect for casual gatherings and satisfying hearty meals.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. spareribs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 c. catsup
  • a little Texas Pete (may be added)
  • 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 Tbsp. mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. celery salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown the spareribs on both sides in a large frying pan.
  2. Mix all other ingredients together and pour over the browned meat.
  3. Cook on high until steaming, then reduce to simmer and cook until the ribs are tender and done.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, marinate the spareribs in the sauce for a few hours or overnight to enhance flavor. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a suitable substitute. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference, and feel free to add a dash of liquid smoke for extra depth. Cooking on high initially helps in creating a rich glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These steamed barbecued spareribs are excellent served with coleslaw or cornbread for a classic meal. They also pair beautifully with Alison'S Fast, Fun And Healthy Pasta Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a baking dish covered with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave in short intervals.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Steamed Barbecued Spareribs contains roughly 472 calories, with 15g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (147% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 760mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

472 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.6g 29% DV
Total Fat 21.2g 27% DV
Carbs 74.9g 27% DV
Fiber 23.2g 83% DV
Sugar 20.5g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 759.7mg 33% DV
Potassium 2128.3mg 45% DV
Cholesterol 7.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1319.9mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 61.6mg 68% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 252.8mg 19% DV
Iron 7.6mg 42% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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, you can use baby back ribs in this recipe. They will cook faster and may require a shorter steaming time, so keep an eye on them to ensure they remain tender and juicy.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat level, add more cayenne pepper or include sliced jalapeños into the cooking liquid. You can also use a hotter hot sauce instead of Texas Pete for a more intense kick.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs and sauce a day ahead. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine before cooking. This will help the flavors meld beautifully, making the dish even more delicious.

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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