Sweet And Sour Pork Spareribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Sweet and Sour Pork Spareribs offers tender pork chunks coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with pineapple chunks, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a satisfying meal. This dish pairs well with steamed rice and makes a delightful family dinner or entertaining dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. pork spareribs
  • 1/4 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/4 c. vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. pineapple juice
  • 1 (No. 2) can pineapple chunks

Instructions

  1. Brown pork spareribs slightly in hot oil.
  2. Add water, cover, and cook slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  3. Combine brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, pineapple juice, and soy sauce.
  4. Mix well.
  5. Cook until slightly thick, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour over cooked pork and let stand for 10 minutes.
  7. Add pineapple chunks and cook only 2 or 3 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer after mixing in the cornstarch. If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor. Consider adding bell peppers or sliced carrots for extra texture and color. This dish also pairs well with Fried Rice(A Great Main Dish) for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sweet And Sour Pork Spareribs over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the sauce. Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For an appetizer, consider serving alongside Chinese Pork Dumplings to complement the flavors of the main dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the spareribs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork Spareribs contains roughly 1669 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 176g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2793mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).

1669 kcal 83% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.3g 11% DV
Total Fat 176.1g 100% DV
Carbs 22.7g 8% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 7.6g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2793.1mg 100% DV
Potassium 230.7mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 20mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.6mcg
Vitamin C 9.1mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 25.8mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Contains Soy

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 meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pork spareribs with chicken thighs or beef ribs. However, cooking times may vary. Chicken will cook faster, so check for doneness after about 30-40 minutes.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, mix a bit more cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce while it's simmering. This will help thicken it to your desired consistency.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pork spareribs and sauce a day in advance. Just reheat gently before serving, allowing the flavors to meld even more. This makes it a great option for meal prep!

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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