Best Apple Sauce Baked Ribs Recipes

When it comes to comfort food, ribs are definitely at the top of the list. There are countless ways to prepare ribs, but one recipe that stands out is apple sauce baked ribs. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is simply irresistible. In this article, we'll take a closer look at apple sauce baked ribs, including how to prepare them and why they're so delicious.

What Exactly are Apple Sauce Baked Ribs?

Apple sauce baked ribs are essentially ribs that have been coated in a sweet apple sauce glaze and then baked in the oven. The apple sauce adds a unique flavor to the ribs, giving them a slightly sweet taste that balances well with the savory flavor of the meat. While apple sauce baked ribs may seem like a new and trendy recipe, they are actually quite traditional, especially in certain regions of the United States where apple-based dishes are more commonly found.

How to Prepare Apple Sauce Baked Ribs

To make apple sauce baked ribs, you'll need a few key ingredients. For the ribs themselves, you'll need some high-quality pork spare ribs. Depending on the recipe, the ribs may also need to be trimmed and/or marinated before cooking. The apple sauce glaze typically consists of apple sauce, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and a few other seasonings. To prepare apple sauce baked ribs, start by mixing together the apple sauce glaze ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the glaze is ready, lightly season your ribs with salt and pepper and then coat them in the apple sauce mixture. Let the ribs marinate for up to an hour, then place them in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven for about 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and fully cooked. Be sure to baste the ribs with the remaining apple sauce glaze periodically during the cooking process.

Why Choose Apple Sauce Baked Ribs?

There are many reasons why apple sauce baked ribs are a great choice for your next dinner. For starters, they're incredibly delicious. The combination of sweetness and tanginess makes for a flavor that is both unique and addictive. Not only that, but the apple sauce glaze acts as a natural tenderizer for the ribs, which makes for meat that is incredibly juicy and tender. Another reason to choose apple sauce baked ribs is that they're quite easy to prepare. While the cooking time can be lengthy, the overall process is pretty straightforward and doesn't require a lot of fancy equipment or ingredients. Plus, the flavor of the ribs is so good that the effort you put into preparing them will definitely pay off in the end. Lastly, apple sauce baked ribs are quite versatile. While they're typically served alongside some type of starch (such as mashed potatoes or rice), they can also be paired with all sorts of sides to create a full meal. Whether you're in the mood for something cheesy and indulgent or something light and refreshing, apple sauce baked ribs can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apple sauce baked ribs are a delightful and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a unique and delicious flavor, easy preparation process, and versatile nature, apple sauce baked ribs are sure to delight everyone in your household. While there are a variety of ways to cook ribs, apple sauce baked ribs are definitely worth giving a try for your next dinner.

When it comes to barbecue, ribs are undoubtedly one of the most popular and tasty options. Whether you prefer spare or baby back ribs, these succulent morsels of meat are always a crowd-pleaser. While there are many ways to prepare ribs, one of the most delicious and easy techniques is to bake them with apple sauce. Apple sauce baked ribs are a mouth-watering treat that combines the sweetness of apples with the smoky flavor of barbecue. If you want to make this scrumptious dish, here are some valuable tips that can help you achieve the perfect texture and taste.

Choosing the Right Ribs

The first step towards a great batch of apple sauce baked ribs is to pick the right kind of ribs. There are two types of ribs commonly sold in supermarkets: spare ribs and baby back ribs. Spare ribs are larger and meatier, with more fat and connective tissue. They come from the belly of the pig and have a rectangular shape. Baby back ribs, on the other hand, are smaller and leaner, and come from the loin section of the pig. They have a curved shape and are more tender than spare ribs. When choosing ribs for this recipe, you can use either spare or baby back ribs, depending on your preference. If you like your ribs with more meat and flavor, go for spare ribs. If you prefer a leaner and more delicate version, choose baby back ribs. Look for ribs that are fresh and properly refrigerated. The meat should be pinkish and firm, with no gray or brown spots. Ask your butcher to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, as it can be tough and chewy.

Prepping the Ribs

Once you have your ribs, it's time to prepare them for baking. The goal is to create a dry rub that will season the ribs and help them form a crust while they cook. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own by mixing spices, herbs, and salt. Some common ingredients for a rib rub are paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and mustard powder. You can adjust the ratio of these ingredients depending on your taste. Coat the ribs generously with the rub, making sure to cover all sides. Massage the rub into the meat, so that it adheres well. Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours if you have time. This resting time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.

Making the Apple Sauce

The star of this recipe is the apple sauce, which will add a sweet and tangy taste to the ribs. You can use store-bought apple sauce or make your own by cooking chopped apples with sugar and water. Here's a simple recipe for homemade apple sauce: - Peel and core 6 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp). - Cut them into small pieces and place them in a saucepan. - Add 1/4 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. - Pour 1/2 cup of water over the apples and stir to combine. - Cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the sauce is thick. - Let the sauce cool down and blend it in a food processor or blender until smooth. You can adjust the sweetness and spices of the apple sauce according to your taste. If you want a more tart flavor, add some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Baking the Ribs

Now that you have your seasoned ribs and apple sauce, it's time to bake them together. Here's how: - Preheat your oven to 300°F. - Take the ribs out of the refrigerator and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. - Brush the apple sauce all over the ribs, making sure to cover them evenly. - Cover the baking sheet with foil (or another layer of parchment paper) and seal the edges tightly. - Bake the ribs in the oven for 2-3 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the ribs. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork between the bones. The meat should be tender and almost falling off the bone. - Remove the foil (or parchment paper) and brush some more apple sauce on the ribs. - Increase the heat to 350°F and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly. - Take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting them.

Serving Suggestions

Apple sauce baked ribs are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with some side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some ideas: - Coleslaw: A crunchy and refreshing coleslaw can balance the richness of the ribs. You can make a classic coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and mayo, or a more creative version with kale, apples, and cider vinegar. - Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy and sweet fries are the perfect accompaniment to the apple sauce. You can bake them in the oven with some olive oil and spices. - Grilled Vegetables: A colorful and healthy platter of grilled vegetables can add some texture and variety to your meal. You can grill zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions, and drizzle them with some balsamic glaze.

Conclusion

Apple sauce baked ribs are a foolproof and tasty way to enjoy a classic barbecue dish. By following these tips, you can make tender, flavorful, and juicy ribs that will impress your family and friends. Remember to choose the right kind of ribs, season them well, make a delicious apple sauce, and bake them low and slow. Don't forget to serve them with some yummy sides and enjoy the feast!