Carter Hill Barbecue Ribs – Black Foodie Finder

A Tangy and Flavorful Southern Barbecue Favorite

Tender pork spareribs marinated in cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and savory spices make Carter Hill Barbecue Ribs a delicious Southern comfort food favorite. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this oven-baked recipe delivers a flavorful balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, perfect for family dinners and weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 4 pounds fresh spareribs, cracked
• 1 quart cider vinegar
• 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 large cloves garlic, crushed

Makes: Not specified in the cookbook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs. Cut the spareribs into 3- to 4-inch pieces. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
2. Make the marinade. Pour cider vinegar into a large glass dish. Add brown sugar, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, and crushed garlic. Stir until well combined.
3. Marinate overnight. Place the ribs in the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight to develop the flavors.
4. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 450°F. Arrange the marinated ribs in a baking pan and pour 1 cup of marinade over them.
5. Begin baking. Roast at 450°F for 30 minutes, occasionally basting with the marinade and turning the ribs to brown both sides.
6. Finish cooking. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for approximately 1½ hours, basting occasionally, until the ribs are tender and fully cooked.
7. Serve warm. Transfer the ribs to a serving platter and enjoy with your favorite Southern barbecue side dishes.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Marinate overnight. The vinegar-based marinade helps develop the ribs’ tangy, savory flavor.
• Baste frequently. Spoon the marinade over the ribs while baking to keep them moist and flavorful. Bring any marinade that has touched raw pork to a full boil before using it as a finishing sauce.
• Serve Southern-style. Pair with baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or warm cornbread.

About the Creator

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) celebrates African American culinary heritage through The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, preserving recipes that reflect generations of family cooking traditions.

Carter Hill Barbecue Ribs was contributed by Robert A. Hall, NCNW Associate Life Member. The recipe reflects the cookbook’s collection of traditional family-style dishes prepared with simple ingredients and flavorful Southern seasonings.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original Carter Hill Barbecue Ribs recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.