Sweet N' Sour Spare Ribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Sweet N' Sour Spare Ribs feature tender ribs cooked in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with pineapple and garlic, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb. ribs
  • 1 1/2 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. soy sauce
  • cornstarch
  • 1 small can crushed pineapple
  • garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Put brown sugar and soy sauce in a large electric skillet and cook until the mixture becomes liquid.
  2. Add the juice from the small can of crushed pineapple and a dash of garlic powder.
  3. Add the ribs to the skillet and simmer until they are tender.
  4. Add the pineapple and enough cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the brown sugar and soy sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have brown sugar, white sugar can work in a pinch, though it will alter the taste slightly. For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of vinegar or hot sauce to the sauce. You can also substitute the ribs with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sweet N' Sour Spare Ribs over a bed of steamed rice or alongside Broccoli And Carrot Stir-Fry for a colorful and nutritious meal. They pair beautifully with a crisp salad or the Sweet And Sour Meatball Salad for a delightful dinner experience. Don't forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist, covering until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet N' Sour Spare Ribs contains roughly 168 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2186mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

168 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 4.3g 6% DV
Carbs 28.9g 11% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 15.9g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2186.3mg 95% DV
Potassium 181.1mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.3mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 24.5mg 2% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 the ribs with chicken, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.

What if I can't find crushed pineapple?

If crushed pineapple isn't available, you can use pineapple chunks or even fresh pineapple, chopped finely. Just ensure to include some of the juice to maintain the sweet and sour balance.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, try mixing in a bit of chili paste or red pepper flakes into the sauce. You could also marinate the ribs with a dash of hot sauce before cooking to infuse them with spiciness.

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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