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Sticky Pork Spare Ribs in the Oven (Made with Sugar-Free Rub)

When it comes to satisfying comfort food, few dishes can rival a plate of sticky pork spare ribs. They are succulent, tender, and bursting with flavour, making them a perfect choice for a family gathering or a weekend treat. What’s more, this recipe is tailored for those keen on maintaining a healthier lifestyle, as it employs a sugar-free rub without compromising on taste. Here’s how to create your own mouth-watering sticky pork spare ribs in the oven.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

• 1.5 kg pork spare ribs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sugar-Free Rub:

• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

For the Sticky Sauce:

• 200 ml sugar-free barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Method

Preparing the Ribs

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 150°C (300°F). This low and slow cooking method is essential for achieving tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

2. Trim the Ribs: Take your pork spare ribs and trim excess fat if necessary. Pat them dry with kitchen paper, then season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Apply the Rub: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the sugar-free rub. Generously massage the rub onto the ribs, ensuring that every area is well-coated. This step is crucial, as the rub infuses the meat with flavour while it cooks.

4. Wrap in Foil: Place the seasoned ribs on a large piece of aluminium foil, then wrap them tightly to create a parcel. This helps to keep the moisture in during cooking.

Cooking the Ribs

1. Bake: Transfer the wrapped ribs onto a baking tray and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the ribs. The slow cooking will result in tender meat that practically falls off the bone.

2. Prepare the Sticky Sauce: While the ribs are cooking, you can prepare the sticky sauce. In a saucepan, combine sugar-free barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Heat gently over a low flame, stirring occasionally until well combined. Set aside.

Glazing the Ribs

1. Unwrap and Glaze: After the cooking time, carefully unwrap the ribs from the foil (watch out for steam) and brush a generous amount of the sticky sauce over the top.

2. Increase the Temperature: Turn the oven temperature up to 220°C (425°F) or set it to grill. Return the ribs to the oven uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, basting them with more sauce halfway through. This will create a beautiful caramelised glaze.

3. Resting the Ribs: Once done, remove the ribs from the oven and allow them to rest for about 10 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the ribs between the bones and serve them with an additional side of sugar-free barbecue sauce for dipping. They pair well with a crisp coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

These sticky pork spare ribs are a delightful treat that an entire family can enjoy without the guilt of added sugars. The sugar-free rub is packed with flavour, ensuring that you don’t miss out on the robust taste of traditional barbecue ribs. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone at your dinner table with this scrumptious dish! Enjoy your culinary adventure!