Sweet-N-Sour Spareribs
Sweet-N-Sour Spareribs offer tender ribs coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with pineapple and ketchup, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a saucepan until the mixture thickens.
- Brown the spareribs at 425°F for 45 minutes.
- Drain the ribs and reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
- Use half of the sauce to cook the ribs for 30 minutes.
- Turn the spareribs, apply remaining sauce, and cook for an additional 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the spareribs in the sauce overnight. If you want a healthier option, consider using turkey spareribs instead of pork. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. Make sure to watch the ribs closely as they brown to prevent burning, and feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Sweet-N-Sour Spareribs with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. They pair wonderfully with a refreshing Chinese Asparagus Salad or a side of Spicy Stir-Fry Vegetables. For a festive touch, garnish the ribs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. These flavors are perfect for family gatherings or game day celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spareribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be cautious as it may dry out the meat. For best results, add a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-N-Sour Spareribs contains roughly 445 calories, with 3g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1438mg per serving (63% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute spareribs with pork loin or chicken thighs for a lighter option. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken will cook faster than ribs. Be sure to monitor the internal temperature to ensure it's fully cooked, especially with poultry.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce further, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. Stir it into the sauce while it's simmering until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember to cook it a bit longer after adding cornstarch to ensure it thickens properly.
What can I do if I don’t have vinegar?
If you don't have vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with lemon juice or lime juice for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar works well too. Just keep in mind that using a different acid may slightly alter the overall taste of the sauce.
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).