Spiced Spareribs – Black Foodie Finder

A Savory Southern Pork Ribs Favorite

Tender pork spareribs, warm spices, and a tangy homemade sauce make Spiced Spareribs a flavorful Southern comfort food favorite. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this oven-baked recipe combines Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and aromatic seasonings for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 4–5 pounds spareribs, cracked through the center
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon beef stock base
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 3 whole allspice
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon peel
• ¼ teaspoon caraway seed
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Makes: 6 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the ribs. Trim away excess fat and cut the spareribs into individual serving portions. Arrange them in a large, shallow baking dish and season with 1 teaspoon of salt.
3. Bake the ribs. Roast for 1 to 1½ hours, turning occasionally. Remove from the oven, drain the accumulated drippings, and season with the remaining teaspoon of salt.
4. Prepare the sauce. Mix boiling water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, beef stock base, brown sugar, allspice, cayenne pepper, lemon peel, and caraway seed. Pour the mixture evenly over the ribs.
5. Continue baking. Return the ribs to the oven and bake at 350°F for another hour, turning frequently to coat them in the flavorful sauce.
6. Thicken the sauce. Transfer the cooked ribs to a serving platter. Skim excess fat from the pan juices. Mix arrowroot with cold water, then stir into the pan liquid. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve warm. Spoon the thickened sauce over the ribs and serve with your favorite Southern side dishes.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• For tender ribs: Turn the ribs occasionally while baking to help them cook evenly and absorb the sauce.
• Adjust the spice: Reduce the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Serve Southern-style: Pair with macaroni and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, 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.

Spiced Spareribs was contributed by Linda Hopkins, Broadway Star. The recipe showcases the cookbook’s collection of flavorful family dishes that bring together traditional ingredients and comforting Southern cooking techniques.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

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

Original Recipe Contributor: Linda Hopkins, Broadway Star.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Pro tips and serving suggestions are additional Black Foodie recommendations.