Frequently Asked Questions
What are Jim's Ultimate Fall-Off-The-Bone Spareribs?
They are tender, slow-cooked pork spareribs smothered in a rich, homemade barbecue sauce with sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 563 calories.
What ingredients are needed for the homemade BBQ sauce?
The sauce requires ketchup, tomato juice, brown sugar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, lime zest and juice, cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, cayenne, onion, garlic, and salt and pepper.
How long should the BBQ sauce be simmered?
The sauce should be simmered on medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can the BBQ sauce be prepared in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the sauce overnight to allow flavors to meld, and it can be stored for several months.
What makes up the spice rub?
The spice rub consists of 1 cup brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
How much pork is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 racks of pork spare ribs, up to 3 pounds each.
How long should the ribs marinate initially?
After applying the first third of the spice rub, the ribs should be covered and refrigerated overnight.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The ribs should be baked at a low temperature between 200 and 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do the spareribs need to bake?
The total baking time in the oven is 4 hours.
What should I do if the ribs look dry while baking?
If the ribs look dry at any point during baking, you can baste them with a little lager beer.
When do I apply the remaining spice rub during the cooking process?
Half of the remaining rub is applied 5 hours before mealtime, and the final portion is distributed at the 2-hour mark of baking.
When is the BBQ sauce added to the ribs?
The ribs should be liberally brushed with BBQ sauce forty-five minutes before they are finished baking.
Is there a resting period after baking?
Yes, the ribs should rest for 10 minutes after baking before being cut.
What are the fat and protein contents?
Each serving contains 24g of fat and 34g of protein.
What kind of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of cider vinegar.
Is beer required for this recipe?
No, one can of lager beer is listed as an optional ingredient for basting if the meat looks dry.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 22 total ingredients listed for this dish.
What citrus is included in the BBQ sauce?
The recipe includes the zest and juice of one lime.
How much brown sugar is used in total?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of brown sugar: 1/2 cup for the sauce and 1 cup for the spice rub.
What are the carbohydrate and sugar levels per serving?
Each serving has 44g of carbohydrates and 21g of sugar.
Is the spice rub spicy?
The rub contains paprika, chili powder, and 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne, giving it a moderate kick.
What type of salt is recommended for the rub?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 1/2 tablespoons of kosher salt for the spice rub.
How should the ribs be cut for serving?
The ribs can be cut into individual ribs or half-slabs according to your preference.
What gives the sauce its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke added to the sauce.
Does the recipe include fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 1g of fiber.
What kind of onion and garlic are used?
The recipe uses minced onion and minced garlic in the sauce, and onion powder and garlic powder in the rub.
Is this recipe suitable for barbecues?
Yes, it is described as perfect for backyard barbecues or special occasions.
What should be provided when serving these ribs?
It is recommended to serve them with additional BBQ sauce on the side and plenty of napkins.