Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of pork spare ribs with this simple yet flavorful recipe. Perfect for a weekend barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, these ribs are seasoned to perfection and glazed with a rich bbq sauce. The slow baking process ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up some pork spare ribs and bbq sauce if they are not already in your kitchen. Pork spare ribs can be found in the meat section of your supermarket, and it's worth choosing a good quality cut for the best results. Bbq sauce comes in various flavors, so select one that suits your taste preference.

Ingredients for Pork Spare Ribs Recipe
Pork spare ribs: The main protein of the dish, these ribs are known for their rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly.
Bbq sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that adds a delicious glaze to the ribs, enhancing their flavor.
Paprika: A spice made from ground peppers, it adds a mild heat and vibrant color to the seasoning.
Salt: A basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning mix.
Technique Tip for Cooking Spare Ribs
For an extra layer of flavor, try marinating the pork spare ribs overnight in the bbq sauce mixed with a bit of apple cider vinegar. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with a deeper, more complex taste. When you're ready to cook, simply follow the recipe as instructed, but skip the initial seasoning step since the marinade will have already done the job.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pork spare ribs - Substitute with beef short ribs: Beef short ribs have a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way as pork spare ribs.
pork spare ribs - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a good alternative for those who prefer poultry.
bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that can complement the ribs well.
bbq sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that can mimic the taste of BBQ sauce.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a similar smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a spicier kick, making it a good substitute for those who enjoy heat.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more nuanced and less processed flavor compared to table salt.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar peppery flavor but with a slightly different aroma.
black pepper - Substitute with cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that can complement the other spices in the recipe.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Spare Ribs
How to Store or Freeze Your Ribs
- Allow the pork spare ribs to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the ribs soggy.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain their moisture and flavor. Alternatively, you can place them in an airtight container.
- Store the wrapped ribs in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. Ensure the temperature is consistently below 40°F (4°C) to keep them fresh.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped ribs in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the package with the date to keep track of their storage time.
- When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from the bag or container to prevent freezer burn, which can affect the texture and taste of the ribs.
- Frozen ribs can be stored for up to 3 months. For best results, consume them within this period to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.
- To reheat refrigerated ribs, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the ribs on a baking tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- For reheating frozen ribs, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated ribs.
- If you're in a hurry, you can reheat the ribs in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- To add a fresh touch, brush the reheated ribs with a bit more bbq sauce before serving. This will enhance their flavor and give them a glossy finish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Wrap the pork spare ribs in aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Place the wrapped ribs on a baking tray.
- Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes until they are warmed through.
- For a bit of extra bbq sauce flavor, brush some on the ribs during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Grill Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Wrap the pork spare ribs in aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped ribs on the grill and close the lid.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- For a smoky flavor, unwrap the ribs for the last 5 minutes and brush with bbq sauce.
Microwave Method:
- Place the pork spare ribs on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the ribs with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
- Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Check the ribs and continue heating in 1-minute increments until warmed through.
- Brush with bbq sauce if desired.
Sous Vide Method:
- Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
- Place the pork spare ribs in a vacuum-sealed bag.
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove from the bag and brush with bbq sauce before serving.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place the pork spare ribs in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until warmed through.
- Brush with bbq sauce during the last few minutes of heating.
Essential Tools for Cooking Spare Ribs
Oven: Used to bake the ribs at a consistent temperature of 300°F (150°C).
Baking tray: Holds the ribs while they bake in the oven.
Aluminum foil: Covers the ribs during the initial baking period to keep them moist.
Basting brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce evenly on the ribs.
Measuring spoons: Measures out the paprika, salt, and black pepper accurately.
Measuring cup: Measures the BBQ sauce.
Tongs: Helps to handle the ribs without burning yourself.
Knife: Used to cut the ribs if needed before serving.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to season the ribs before baking.
Timer: Keeps track of the baking and resting times.
Serving platter: Holds the ribs for presentation after they have rested.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-marinating the ribs: Season the pork spare ribs the night before and let them marinate in the fridge. This will save you time on the day of cooking and enhance the flavor.
Use a slow cooker: Instead of baking, you can use a slow cooker to cook the ribs on low for 6-8 hours. This method requires less active time and yields tender results.
Double the batch: Cook extra ribs and store them in the freezer. This way, you can have a quick meal ready by just reheating.
Pre-made bbq sauce: Use a high-quality, store-bought bbq sauce to save time on making your own.

Pork Spare Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Pork spare ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Season the ribs with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the ribs on a baking tray and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and brush the ribs with BBQ sauce.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes, uncovered.
- Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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