Sweet Sour Spareribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Sweet Sour Spareribs are a delicious combination of tender pork ribs infused with the rich flavors of garlic, ginger, and a tangy sauce. The sweetness from brown sugar and crushed pineapple balances the savory notes, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. spareribs
  • flour
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 slices ginger root
  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. shoyu
  • 1/3 c. cider vinegar
  • 1 small can crushed pineapple

Instructions

  1. Lightly coat spareribs with flour.
  2. Fry ribs with ginger and garlic.
  3. In a separate pot, combine brown sugar, shoyu, and cider vinegar.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Add the ribs to the pot and simmer until tender.
  6. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the crushed pineapple.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crispier texture, consider broiling the ribs for a few minutes after simmering. If you don’t have shoyu, soy sauce is a suitable substitute. You can also add a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick. Ensure the ribs are well coated in flour to achieve a nice sear when frying.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet sour spareribs over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. They pair beautifully with Cleone'S Slaw Dressing for a refreshing side. Consider adding a Green Bean And Corn Salad(Makes 8 Servings) to balance the flavors. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover sweet sour spareribs can be stored 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 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Sour Spareribs contains roughly 1187 calories, with 2g protein, 304g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 658mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

1187 kcal 59% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 0.2g
Carbs 304.2g 100% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 293.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 657.7mg 29% DV
Potassium 474.4mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 279.4mg 21% DV
Iron 2.6mg 14% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 belly or even chicken thighs for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken cooks faster than pork. Ensure that the meat is tender and fully cooked before serving.

How can I make this recipe less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, you can cut down on the brown sugar or replace some with low-sugar alternatives like stevia. Additionally, increasing the amount of cider vinegar will add acidity and balance the sweetness. Adjust to your taste preferences for a well-rounded flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Sweet sour spareribs are perfect for meal prep. You can cook a larger batch and portion them out for the week. Just store in airtight containers and reheat as needed. They will taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

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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