Barbecue Ribs – Nuwave Oven/Flavorwave

The aroma of barbecue always takes me back to summer afternoons spent with my grandfather. He wasn’t a chef, just a man who loved a good rack of ribs, and his secret weapon wasn’t a fancy smoker, but a humble Nuwave oven. He swore it gave the ribs a unique tenderness, almost like they were steamed and then kissed by the grill. While the traditional smoking process certainly has its merits, there was a certain charm and efficiency to his method that I’ve come to appreciate. These ribs, cooked in a Nuwave or Flavorwave oven, carry a slice of that memory – a taste of easy summer days.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Total Time: 27-29 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork spareribs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup rum
• 1/2 cup chili sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 dash ground black pepper

Equipment Needed

• Nuwave Oven or Flavorwave Oven
• 1″ rack
• 4″ rack
• Mixing Bowl

Instructions

1. First, prepare the spareribs. Cut them into serving-size portions. This makes them easier to handle and ensures even cooking.
2. Place the cut spareribs on the 1″ rack of your Nuwave or Flavorwave oven.
3. Bake on HI for 6 minutes per side. This initial cooking helps to render some of the fat and prepare the ribs for the flavorful sauce.
4. While the ribs are cooking, prepare the barbecue sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rum, chili sauce, crushed garlic, dry mustard, and black pepper.
5. Thoroughly mix all sauce ingredients until well combined. The brown sugar should dissolve into the liquid components, creating a smooth and cohesive sauce.
6. Once the ribs have finished their initial cooking on the 1″ rack, remove them and generously coat them with the prepared barbecue sauce.
7. Marinate the coated ribs at room temperature for 1 hour. For a deeper, richer flavor, refrigerate overnight. This allows the sauce to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
8. After marinating, place the ribs on the 4″ rack of your Nuwave or Flavorwave oven.
9. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the ribs are heated through and the sauce has caramelized slightly. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage to prevent burning.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For incredibly tender ribs, consider a dry brine before cooking. Generously salt the ribs the night before and let them sit uncovered in the refrigerator. This draws out moisture and tenderizes the meat. Rinse well before applying the sauce.
• If your sauce starts to burn during the final cooking stage, lower the power setting on your Nuwave oven slightly. Alternatively, you can loosely tent the ribs with foil.
• Don’t overcrowd the oven. Cook the ribs in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
• For a smoky flavor without a smoker, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce. A little goes a long way!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these succulent barbecue ribs hot, alongside your favorite barbecue sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, or baked beans. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color.

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook them, or they may become dry. For longer storage, freeze the ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1614.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	977 kcal	61%
Total Fat	108.6 g	167%
Saturated Fat	41 g	205%
Cholesterol	356 mg	118%
Sodium	1907 mg	79%
Total Carbohydrate	67.1 g	22%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	59 g	235%
Protein	81.3 g	162%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for a fiery kick.
• Honey Garlic Ribs: Substitute the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter, stickier glaze. Add an extra clove of crushed garlic for enhanced flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Ribs: Replace the ketchup, chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce with hoisin sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil.
• Dry Rub: For a different flavor profile, skip the wet sauce and use a dry rub of your favorite spices. Rub the ribs generously and let them marinate overnight before cooking.
• Beef Ribs: This recipe works well with beef ribs too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as beef ribs typically require longer cooking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use baby back ribs instead of spareribs?
A: Yes, you can substitute baby back ribs. They are leaner and cook faster, so reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes per side.

Q: Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The barbecue sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will actually enhance the flavors as they meld together.

Q: My ribs are burning in the Nuwave oven. What should I do?
A: Lower the power setting on your Nuwave oven, or loosely tent the ribs with foil to protect them from direct heat.

Q: How do I know when the ribs are done?
A: The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).

Q: Can I add wood chips to my Nuwave oven for a smoky flavor?
A: No, Nuwave ovens are not designed to use wood chips. Instead, use liquid smoke in your sauce if you wish to add a smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Nuwave oven barbecue ribs are a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn’t always require elaborate equipment or complicated techniques. They’re a simple, satisfying way to enjoy the classic flavors of barbecue any time of year. So, fire up your Nuwave or Flavorwave, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor some seriously tender and flavorful ribs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce and make it your own. And please, share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how they turned out! Perhaps pair them with a crisp coleslaw and a refreshing glass of iced tea for the ultimate barbecue experience.