BBQ ribs

3 hours
BBQ ribs

Get ready to sink your teeth into some juicy, fall-off-the-bone spareribs with our easy recipe that will have your mouth watering. These meaty and flavourful cuts of pork, marinated in a classic blend of flavours, are tender, flavourful and so easy to make. To get the perfect tenderness and make it easier to cook, we use the oven-baking method, ensuring that the spareribs cook evenly and are ready in just a few hours. Get ready to impress at dinner with this irresistible family favourite!

Ingredients

2 tbsp Tomato ketchup
2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Brown sugar
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Soy sauce
1 Finely chopped garlic clove
½ tsp Coarse salt
1½ kilo Spare ribs

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 175°C.
  • Mix ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar with the other ingredients.
  • Brush the spareribs with the marinade and place them on a baking tray with a roasting pan underneath.
  • Roast the ribs in the middle of the oven for about 2 hours at 175°C (traditional oven). Turn them over after approx. 1 hour. Brush again with the marinade and roast them until they are done.

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!

Choosing the meat

When making spareribs, it is important to buy the right meat. Look for ribs that have an even distribution of meat over the slab, and the meat should be pink with uniform marbling. This will help them cook more evenly and get a tender texture.

Watch the meat cooking

Another important tip is to keep a close eye on the meat as it cooks. Cooking spareribs requires constant attention, as they can easily become dry or overcooked. A good way to test if they are done is to see whether you can easily pull apart two ribs with a pair of tongs.

Rest the meat

It is important to let the meat rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavours to meld together, resulting in a more tender and flavourful dish.

Questions about spareribs

Master the art of making tender, succulent spareribs with our easy pork sparerib recipe. Below you will find all the information you need to succeed with the recipe. Keep on reading to learn more.

What are spareribs?

Spareribs are a cut of meat from the lower portion of the ribcage of a pig. They are longer and flatter than baby back ribs, with more meat between the bones. They are known for their flavourful and slightly fatty meat that can be tender and juicy when cooked properly. Spareribs are often sold in trimmed racks and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilling, smoking, baking, or slow-cooking.

What is a sparerib marinade made from?

A sparerib marinade is typically made from a combination of ingredients that are mixed to create a flavourful and tangy sauce. For our pork spareribs recipe, we combine ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar with paprika, soy sauce, chopped garlic, and salt. It gives the marinade a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavour profile.

How to cook spareribs in the oven?

Cooking spareribs in the oven is a simple process that requires just a few steps. To begin, preheat the oven to 175°C. Next, brush the spareribs with the marinade and place them on a baking tray with a roasting pan underneath. Cook them in the middle of the oven for approx. 2 hours at 175°C, turning them over after about an hour. While cooking, brush the ribs again with the marinade to keep them moist and flavourful. Continue roasting until they are fully cooked and the meat is tender and juicy.

How to marinade spareribs?

Marinating spareribs is a simple and easy way to impart flavour and tenderness to the meat before cooking. Once the marinade is prepared, brush the ribs with the mixture until evenly coated. For more intense flavour, marinate them and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, keeping the marinated ribs covered in a container or bowl with cling film. This allows the marinade to permeate the meat and enhance its flavours further.

What goes with spareribs for dinner?

Spareribs are a tasty main dish that pairs well with a range of sides and accompaniments. Coleslaw offers a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the smoky flavours of the meat, while corn on the cob is a simple and tasty option that can be prepared alongside the meat. Mac and cheese is a creamy and cheesy side that can balance the smoky and salty flavours of the ribs. Roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, or broccoli, add colour and flavour to the plate.

Easy pork spareribs in the oven

Pork spareribs are a timeless classic that is so good it demands seconds. They are a flavourful and meaty cut of pork that can be prepared in various ways but cooking them in the oven is by far one of the simplest and most popular methods. To get tender and juicy ribs, marinate them in a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings, and then slow-cook them in the oven until the meat is tender and juicy. The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat that is infused with savoury and sweet flavours. This classic dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to BBQs and potlucks.

If you like our pork spareribs recipe, you should also have a look at our stuffed pork tenderloin and pork tenderloin casserole with mushrooms and bacon.

Deliciously homemade pork sparerib marinade

The marinade is the secret to achieving a flavourful and tender dish. A great marinade can transform the taste and texture of the meat, making it more succulent and delicious. Our spareribs marinade has ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and paprika. The ketchup provides a tangy and sweet base, while the vinegar tenderises the meat and adds a delectable sour note. Brown sugar and soy sauce add depth and richness to the marinade, while garlic and paprika infuse the meat with savoury and aromatic flavours. Marinating the meat allows it to soak up all of the flavours, resulting in an unforgettable experience.

Get all the flavours you need in a marinade

A great marinade is like a symphony of flavours, with each note complementing and harmonising with the others. When it comes to marinating pork ribs, the key is to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and tanginess. A good marinade should have a citrus or vinegar base, which adds brightness and tanginess to the meat as well as tenderises it. The sweetness can come from brown sugar or honey, which also adds a depth of flavour. To enhance the sweetness without overpowering it, mild paprika is a perfect choice, adding an earthy aroma with subtle notes of bitterness. The result will be a mouth-watering and memorable dish that will have your taste buds singing.

Serve with coleslaw, baked potato, or a side salad

When it comes to serving spareribs, the right side dish can make all the difference in creating a balanced and delicious meal. Coleslaw is a classic and refreshing side that can provide a crunchy contrast to the rich and smoky flavours of the ribs. Baked potatoes are another popular option that can be a satisfying and hearty addition to the meal. A side salad can also be a great choice, adding some freshness and colour to the plate. With the right sides, your sparerib meal will be a hit with family and friends.

Experiment with barbecuing spareribs

Unleash your inner pitmaster and experiment with barbecued spareribs. There are many ways to barbecue ribs, from slow smoking to grilling over high heat. The key is to find the right balance of smoke and heat to achieve the perfect texture and flavour.

To begin, start by preparing your ribs and brushing them with your homemade marinade, making sure to coat them evenly. Preheat your grill to about 180-200°C and place your spareribs on the grill bone-side down, away from direct heat. Cover the grill and let the ribs cook for a couple of hours, checking them occasionally and rotating them if needed. 

You can also wrap the ribs in foil halfway through the cooking process to keep them moist and tender. When the meat has pulled back from the bones and is tender, it is ready to be removed from the grill. Finally, brush the ribs with your marinade and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/bbq-ribs/