Ingredients
- 1.5 kg TenderBites Regular Spare Ribs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tbsp calamansi juice
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 medium white onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Orange slices or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Meat You'll Need
Celebrate the season with these tender, sweet-savory Honey Citrus Holiday Spare Ribs, perfect for Christmas, New Year celebrations, or any festive gathering. Slow-baked and finished with a glossy, caramelized glaze, this dish brings a comforting holiday flavor to the table using TenderBites Regular Spare Ribs.
Preparation
- Prep the Ribs:
Pat the spare ribs dry and rub with salt and pepper. Set aside. - Create the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, orange juice, calamansi juice, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard (optional), and cooking oil. Stir until well combined. - Marinate the Ribs:
Place the ribs in a large container or resealable bag. Add the marinade, sliced onions, and bay leaf.
Marinate for at least 3–4 hours, ideally overnight for deeper flavor. - Bake the Spare Ribs:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place ribs on a foil-lined tray, meat side up. Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through.
- Glaze and Caramelize:
Remove the foil and increase heat to 200°C (400°F).
Brush the ribs generously with remaining marinade and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are caramelized and the glaze is sticky. - Serve:
Slice between the bones and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with orange slices or rosemary.
Cooking Tips
- Holiday twist: Add a splash of pineapple juice or a small amount of cinnamon for a Christmas-style aroma.
- Extra sticky glaze: Simmer leftover marinade in a saucepan until thick, then brush onto ribs before serving.
- Grill option: After baking, finish the ribs on a charcoal grill for 3–5 minutes to add smoky flavor.
- Make-ahead: You can marinate and pre-bake the ribs a day early; simply glaze and reheat on the day of the celebration.
