Sweet And Sour Spare Ribs(Frypan Dinner)
Sweet and tangy spare ribs with a flavorful glaze, perfect for a hearty dinner. Juicy ribs coated in a savory-sweet sauce suit family gatherings and casual meals alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the spare ribs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a plastic bag, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Shake to blend.
- Add the ribs to the bag a few at a time, shaking to coat with the flour mixture.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add butter the size of an egg and wait until the surface is covered with melted butter.
- Add the coated ribs to the pan and brown them on all sides.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine hot tap water, brown sugar, tomato ketchup, and vinegar drained from pickles. Heat until almost boiling.
- Dissolve cornstarch in cold water and add to the saucepan. Stir until thickened.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the browned ribs in the frying pan.
- Stir occasionally, cover the pan, and simmer for as long as possible, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot with rice and steamed vegetables such as green beans, carrots, broccoli, or corn.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider frying the ribs twice: first to brown, then again after adding the sauce. If you don’t have pickling vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as substitutes. For a slightly sweeter flavor, you might add a bit more brown sugar or include pineapple juice in the sauce. This dish is versatile, and you can even serve it with dumplings for two for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour spare ribs hot over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair with steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli for a colorful plate. This dish also complements a side of Ken's Cold Noodle Salad for a refreshing contrast, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sweet and sour spare ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Cover the pan to allow for even heating, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Spare Ribs(Frypan Dinner) contains roughly 557 calories, with 8g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1793mg per serving (78% 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 different type of meat instead of spare ribs?
Yes, you can substitute spare ribs with chicken thighs or even pork loin. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken may require less time to become tender than spare ribs. Remember to check for doneness to ensure your meat is fully cooked.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little hot water or broth to thin it out. Stir well to combine. Adjusting the consistency can help make it easier to coat the ribs and improve the dish's overall texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs and sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and ribs together in a skillet, ensuring they are heated through. This can enhance the flavors, 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).