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Tender Pork Spare Ribs with a Smoky BBQ Glaze

205 min 4 servings Medium
There's nothing quite like biting into a rack of perfectly cooked pork spare ribs. With a smoky BBQ glaze and tender, fall-off-the-bone meat, this recipe is a winner for family gatherings or weekend barbecues. The secret to these tender ribs is the slow cooking process and the tantalizing glaze that enhances their natural flavour. Whether you're a fan of backyard grilling or prefer the comfort of your kitchen, this recipe is designed to deliver mouth-watering results every time. Perfect for meat lovers and barbecue enthusiasts alike, these pork spare ribs will have everyone reaching for seconds. Easy to prepare and rewarding in taste, they're a must-try for any culinary repertoire.

Instructions

1

Prepare the ribs

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Pro tip: Ensure ribs are at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.

2

Wrap and bake

Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 2.5 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Pro tip: Wrapping in foil helps keep the ribs moist.

3

Prepare the glaze

While the ribs are baking, combine BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.

4

Glaze the ribs

Once the ribs are done, remove them from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F). Carefully unwrap the ribs and brush generously with the BBQ glaze.

Pro tip: For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.

5

Caramelize the glaze

Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

Pro tip: Keep a close eye on the ribs to prevent burning.

6

Rest and serve

Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender meat.

Pro tip: Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

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Tips & Tricks

  • Use foil to keep ribs moist during baking.
  • Apply BBQ sauce in layers for deeper flavour.
  • Let ribs rest before serving for juicier meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make ribs tender?

To make ribs tender, cook them slowly at a low temperature, and wrap them in foil to retain moisture.

How long to cook pork spare ribs?

Cook pork spare ribs at 150°C (300°F) for 2.5 hours, then at 200°C (400°F) for an additional 10-15 minutes.

What is the best temperature to cook ribs?

The best temperature to cook ribs is initially at 150°C (300°F) to ensure tenderness.

How many calories are in pork spare ribs?

Pork spare ribs contain approximately 650 calories per serving.

What to serve with pork spare ribs?

Serve pork spare ribs with coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tender pork spare ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad to complete the meal. Pair with a refreshing beer or a glass of iced tea for a perfect dining experience. If you want to make these ribs ahead of time, cook them as directed and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill to maintain their juicy texture. Leftovers, if any, can be frozen for up to two months.

Nutrition per serving

650

Calories

45g

Protein

35g

Fat

35g

Carbs