Dale’s Spareribs recipe is a beloved classic, originating from a time when hearty meals meant comfort and satisfaction. This dish, crafted by Dale herself, epitomizes simplicity and flavor, making it perfect for any Canadian kitchen, especially those seeking a delicious weeknight meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour. Let’s dive into the details of this iconic recipe that has stood the test of time since its creation in 1977.
Recipe Overview
Name: Dale’s Spareribs
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Category: Pork
Keywords: Meat, Canadian, Kid Friendly, Weeknight, Oven, Beginner Cook, < 4 Hours, Easy
Servings: 2 hearty eaters (adjustable for more servings)
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 2 lbs spareribs
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 2936.3
- Total Fat: 245.7g
- Saturated Fat: 101.4g
- Cholesterol: 579.5mg
- Sodium: 1935.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 49.3g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugars: 42.8g
- Protein: 127.5g
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place spareribs in a small roaster or baking dish, and set aside.
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Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, combine ketchup, water, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, and celery seeds. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer the sauce: Heat the saucepan over medium heat and simmer the mixture until it thickens. This typically takes a few minutes, ensuring all flavors meld together beautifully.
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Pour sauce over ribs: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, pour it evenly over the spareribs in the roaster.
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Bake the ribs: Cover the roaster with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for at least 3 hours, or until the ribs are very tender. Dale’s tip: While baking, check the ribs occasionally (about once per hour) and baste them with the sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the ribs are tender and succulent, remove them from the oven. Serve hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes and cole slaw, just like Dale used to do.
Recipe Notes
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Serving Size: Dale’s recipe suggests it serves 2 hearty eaters, but you can adjust quantities based on your needs. It’s a flexible recipe that can easily be doubled or more if you have guests.
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Flavor Profile: The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly savory sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the spareribs.
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Cooking Tip: While Dale didn’t explicitly mention basting, it’s a good practice to ensure the ribs stay moist and absorb the flavors throughout the cooking process.
Historical Context
This recipe holds a special place not just in culinary history but in personal anecdotes, passed down through generations. Originating in 1977, it reflects a time when home-cooked meals were crafted with care and shared among friends and family. Dale’s tradition of serving these spareribs with classic sides like mashed potatoes and cole slaw speaks to its role as a comforting, satisfying dish that brings people together over a delicious meal.
Conclusion
Dale’s Spareribs recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s a culinary journey back to simpler times, filled with flavor and nostalgia. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking for an easy, impressive dish or a seasoned chef seeking a reliable go-to recipe, Dale’s creation promises to deliver satisfaction and smiles around the table. Try it tonight and taste a piece of history with every tender bite.
