Fragrantly Spiced Maple Spareribs Recipe

Although the marinating time is long, these ribs are easy to prepare. They can be partially cooked ahead of time and finished just before you plan to serve them. They’ve always been a hit on my family's table.

Credit: iStockphoto.com/ASIFE

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes; 6 to 24 hours marinating time

Cooking time: 1-1/4 hours

Spice meter: Mildly spiced

3-1/2 pounds lean pork spareribs

1/2 cup maple syrup

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons dry sherry

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, minced

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)

1. Cut the spareribs into serving-size portions. Place the spareribs in a large flat glass, ceramic, or stainless steel pan.

2. In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, sherry, garlic, ginger, and allspice. Pour the marinade over the ribs, turning the ribs to coat them evenly. Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight, turning the ribs occasionally in the marinade.

3. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them curved side up on a foil-lined broiler pan. Reserve the marinade.

4. Bake until the ribs are tender, about 1 hour, brushing every 20 minutes with reserved marinade. The ribs can be cooked ahead to this point.

5. Preheat the broiler. Baste the ribs with marinade. Place the broiler rack 4 to 6 inches from the heat source. Broil, turning once or twice until the ribs are lightly browned, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Because of the sugar content in the maple syrup, check the ribs often while broiling to make sure they don't burn. If they do, lower the oven rack so the ribs are not as close to the heat. It’s fine if the ribs have a few dark or slightly charred spots.

Per serving: Calories 788 (From Fat 484); Fat 54g (Saturated 20g); Cholesterol 214mg; Sodium 959mg; Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 45g.