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Pomegranate-glazed Christmas Ribs Recipe

Pomegranate-glazed Christmas Ribs Recipe

These pomegranate balsamic glazed ribs are the perfect balance of smoky richness and fruity tang. The tender meat, glazed in a reduction of pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, and honey, offers a deliciously glossy finish.

The sweetness of the glaze enhances the natural flavors of the pork while the antioxidants from pomegranate juice provide a healthful twist to this indulgent dish.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a casual cookout, this recipe is both versatile and impressive. Marinate the ribs overnight for deeper flavor or prepare them quickly for last-minute plans.

Serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a full, restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of savory and sweet will make these ribs a crowd-pleasing favorite every time.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

  • Next-Level Flavor: The tangy-sweet glaze brings out the best in the ribs, making every bite burst with complexity.
  • Flexible Cooking Options: You can bake, grill, or even use a smoker depending on your time and setup.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: It’s a visually stunning dish that feels special, whether for holidays or casual gatherings.
  • Healthier Indulgence: The pomegranate adds antioxidants, so it’s a decadent meal with a bit of balance.
Serving glazed pork spare ribs with pomegranate arils

Pomegranate-Glazed Christmas Ribs Recipe

The Pomegranate-Glazed Christmas Ribs Recipe features tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs coated in a sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze. The rich, fruity glaze perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the ribs, making it a festive and flavorful dish ideal for holiday gatherings.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Anne Carter
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Roasting pan
  • Oven
  • Saucepan
  • Basting Brush
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring Cups
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 – 3 pounds pork spare ribs sliced apart
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/4 cup worcestershire
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Colavita Balsamic Glaze for drizzling
  • Pomegranate arils for garnish- optional

Instructions

  • Season the ribs: Rub the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried parsley using your hands.
    Seasoning pork spare ribs with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried parsley
  • Marinate the ribs: Add Worcestershire sauce, pomegranate juice, and brown sugar to the ribs and massage in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
    Marinating pork spare ribs with Worcestershire sauce, pomegranate juice, and brown sugar
  • Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and add ½ cup of water. Place a wire rack on top.
  • Bake the ribs: Arrange the ribs on the wire rack, reserving the marinade. Bake for 30 minutes.
    Baking pork spare ribs on a wire rack with water on a baking sheet
  • Baste the ribs: After 15 minutes, baste the ribs with the reserved marinade. Continue baking for another 30 minutes.
    Basting pork spare ribs with reserved marinade halfway through baking
  • Glaze the ribs: Drizzle balsamic vinegar glaze over the ribs while they’re warm. Garnish with pomegranate arils if desired.
    Glazing baked pork spare ribs with balsamic glaze
  • Serve: Enjoy the ribs with your favorite side dishes!
    Garnishing pork spare ribs with pomegranate arils

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2mg

what to serve with Pomegranate-Glazed Christmas Ribs?

  1. Southern Macaroni Salad
  2. Buttermilk Cornbread
  3. Roasted Vegetables
  4. Cucumber Salad
  5. Napa Cabbage Soup
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