These Barbecued Spare Ribs are a hearty, savory dish featuring meaty pork ribs oven-roasted with fresh lemon and onion, then slow-baked in a tangy, homemade barbecue-style sauce. The sauce infuses the ribs with deep flavor and a rich, sticky glaze. The result is tender, flavorful ribs that are perfect for casual family dinners or backyard-inspired meals.This recipe brings together the bold, comforting flavors of classic barbecue while using the convenience of the oven, making it a versatile option when grilling isn't possible.This particular version leans toward a Mid-Century, home-style take on barbecue, where the smoky outdoor grill is replaced by the oven, yet the essence of barbecue,sweet, tangy, spicy, and smoky flavors,is preserved through the sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork spare ribs (cut in individual pieces)
- 1 lemon (large, unpeeled, sliced)
- 1 onion (large, thinly sliced)
- 1 cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 dashes Tabasco sauce
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Prepare Ribs:
- Place the rib pieces in a shallow roasting pan, meaty side up.
Add Lemon and Onion:
- Top each rib piece with a slice of unpeeled lemon and a thin slice of onion.
Initial Roasting:
- Roast the ribs in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Prepare Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, Tabasco sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce Oven Temperature:
- After the initial roasting, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
Add Sauce to Ribs:
- Pour the boiling sauce evenly over the ribs in the roasting pan.
Continue Baking:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake the ribs for about 1 hour, or until they are tender.
Baste Regularly:
- Every 15 minutes during baking, baste the ribs with the sauce from the pan to keep them moist and flavorful.
Adjust Sauce Consistency:
- If the sauce becomes too thick during baking, add a bit more water to maintain a desirable consistency.
Serve:
- Once the ribs are tender and well-glazed, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Membrane Removal: For more tender ribs, consider removing the thin membrane on the bone side before cooking.
- Marination: For enhanced flavor, you can marinate the ribs in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Grill Finish: For a smoky flavor and caramelized exterior, finish the ribs on a grill over medium heat for a few minutes on each side after baking.
- Side Dishes: Pair these ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 1359kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 72gFat: 106gSaturated Fat: 34gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gMonounsaturated Fat: 39gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 365mgSodium: 1313mgPotassium: 1555mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 482IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 122mgIron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!