Imagine tender, succulent pork spareribs infused with the bold flavors of tequila and zesty lime, creating a Mexican-inspired dish that will transport your senses straight to a vibrant culinary fiesta. These spareribs are not just a meal; they're a flavor explosion that combines the richness of slow-cooked pork with a tantalizing marinade that promises to make your dinner guests beg for the recipe. Prepare to elevate your cooking game and impress everyone at your table with this mouthwatering, show-stopping dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lb pork spareribs
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Pat the pork spareribs dry with paper towels to ensure good seasoning adherence and better caramelization.
- In a mixing bowl, combine tequila, lime juice, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to create a marinade with balanced sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Place the spareribs on the prepared baking sheet, bone-side down. Pour half of the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help tenderize the meat during slow cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes, maintaining a low and slow cooking temperature.
- Remove the foil and brush the ribs with the remaining marinade. Increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Return ribs to the oven uncovered and cook for an additional 15 minutes to create a caramelized, slightly crispy exterior.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice between the bones and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
Tips
- Pat the ribs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and better caramelization.
- Use a good quality tequila for the marinade - the better the tequila, the more complex the flavor profile.
- Let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking if time allows, to enhance flavor penetration.
- Cover the ribs tightly during initial cooking to keep them incredibly moist and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Allow the ribs to rest after cooking to help redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is incredibly succulent.
- For extra caramelization, you can finish the ribs on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes after oven cooking.
- Pair with a fresh cilantro-lime slaw or Mexican street corn for a complete meal experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 424kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
