Sweet And Sour Neck Bones
Sweet and sour neck bones offer tender, flavorful meat with a tangy glaze, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings that love bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring neck bones to a boil, rinse them, and place in a roaster pan.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and chopped onion.
- Mix vinegar and brown sugar to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Pour the vinegar and brown sugar mixture over the neck bones.
- Cover and cook in a 350°F oven for approximately 2 hours until tender.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the sweet and sour mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. You can substitute neck bones with pork ribs or chicken thighs for a different taste profile. Make sure to monitor the cooking time closely to achieve the desired tenderness without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour neck bones over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, like Asian Asparagus Salad With Pecans, complements the flavors nicely. For a refreshing drink, pair your meal with Cranberry-Raspberry Iced Tea to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet and sour neck bones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, ensuring to cover them to keep moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Neck Bones contains roughly 477 calories, with 3g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 681mg per serving (30% 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 a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker! After boiling and rinsing the neck bones, place them in the slow cooker, add your seasonings and sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of vinegar works best for this dish?
Apple cider vinegar is a great choice for its mild flavor, but you can also use white vinegar or rice vinegar for a different tang. Each type will give a slightly unique taste to the sweet and sour sauce, so choose based on your preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the neck bones and sauce a day in advance, then refrigerate them. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven or slow cooker until warmed through. This can enhance the flavors as they have time to meld.
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).