Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs

Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs Recipe - Classic American BBQ Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 4-6 hours (or all day for fall-off-the-bone tenderness) | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs is a classic recipe that combines the tanginess of vinegar and ketchup with the sweetness of sugar and the savory flavors of Worcestershire sauce and spices. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue.

History

The origins of Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs can be traced back to traditional American barbecue recipes. Ribs have long been a popular choice for grilling and slow cooking, and this recipe puts a unique twist on the classic flavors.

Ingredients

0.75 to 1 cup of white vinegar
0.5 cup of ketchup
2 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
1 minced garlic clove
1 tsp of ground mustard
1 tsp of paprika
0.5 to 1 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of pepper
2 lb (907 g) of pork spareribs
1 tbsp of vegetable oil

How to prepare

In a slow cooker, combine vinegar, ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cut the ribs into serving-size pieces and brown them in a skillet with hot oil.
Transfer the browned ribs to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low heat for about 4 to 6 hours until the ribs are tender, or cook all day for a fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Variations

Use pork loin or chicken instead of ribs for a leaner option.
Add hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a sweeter flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight before cooking.

- To achieve a caramelized crust, broil the ribs in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are cooked to the proper temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs with coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans for a classic barbecue meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking in a crockpot or Dutch oven is the best way to achieve tender and flavorful ribs.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor.

- Substitute tomato sauce for ketchup if desired.

- Use boneless ribs for a quicker cooking time.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce and marinate the ribs the night before for easy cooking the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs are a good source of iron and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten from Worcestershire sauce.

Summary

Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs are a high-protein dish with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of iron and vitamin B12.

Summary

Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tangy flavors with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. Perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs like it was yesterday. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Ruth in her cozy little cottage by the lake. Aunt Ruth was known for her delicious barbecue dishes, and on that particular day, she was preparing her famous ribs for a family gathering.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was enveloped in the mouthwatering aroma of the ribs cooking on the grill. Aunt Ruth had a twinkle in her eye as she carefully basted the ribs with her special sauce, a mixture of tangy barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of mustard. I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe, knowing that I had to recreate this delectable dish at home.

Aunt Ruth smiled knowingly and handed me a tattered piece of paper with the recipe scribbled on it. She told me that this recipe had been passed down in our family for generations, and that it was a closely guarded secret. I felt honored that she trusted me enough to share it with me.

After that day, I made it my mission to perfect Aunt Ruth's Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs recipe. I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different proportions of the ingredients and cooking methods. I tried grilling, baking, and even slow-cooking the ribs to see which method yielded the most tender and flavorful results.

Through trial and error, I finally found the perfect balance of flavors and textures that made Aunt Ruth's ribs so unforgettable. The key, I discovered, was in the slow cooking process, allowing the meat to become tender and juicy while the sauce caramelized and infused every bite with a tangy sweetness.

I shared my success with Aunt Ruth, and she was thrilled that I had mastered her recipe. She told me that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had picked it up from a neighbor back in the old country. It was a recipe that had traveled across oceans and through generations, bringing joy and comfort to all who tasted it.

Over the years, I have made Aunt Ruth's Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and backyard barbecues. Each time, they are met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I always smile and tell them that it's a family secret, passed down from my dear Aunt Ruth.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in Aunt Ruth's kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary legacy that has been handed down to me. The recipe for Tender 'n' Tangy Ribs is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it is a piece of my family's history, a connection to the past that brings us all together in love and laughter.

So the next time you bite into a succulent rib smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce, think of me and my Aunt Ruth, and the generations of cooks who have lovingly passed down this recipe. I hope it brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought to me and my family for so many years. Bon appétit!