Chinese Pork Ribs Recipe for the Oven You Must Try

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably tasted Chinese pork ribs before. These tender, juicy ribs are a staple in any Chinese restaurant, and they're surprisingly easy to make at home. In this article, we'll show you how to make Chinese pork ribs in the oven, so you can enjoy this delicious dish any time you want.

To make Chinese pork ribs in the oven, you'll need to start by choosing the right ingredients. You'll need pork spare ribs, of course, but you'll also need a variety of sauces and spices to create the marinade. Once you have your ingredients, you'll need to prepare the marinade and let the ribs marinate for several hours. Then, it's time to cook the ribs in the oven, using a combination of techniques to ensure they come out tender and juicy.

If you're ready to try making Chinese pork ribs in the oven, keep reading. We'll walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right ingredients to serving and presentation. By the end of this article, you'll be able to make delicious Chinese pork ribs that will impress your friends and family.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing the right ingredients is key to making delicious Chinese pork ribs in the oven.
• Preparing the marinade and letting the ribs marinate for several hours is crucial to achieving tender, juicy ribs.
• Using a combination of oven cooking techniques, glazing, and basting will ensure your Chinese pork ribs are cooked to perfection.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese pork ribs in the oven, choosing the right ingredients is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavours. In this section, we will discuss the two main categories of ingredients you should focus on: selecting pork ribs and essential Chinese flavours.

Selecting Pork Ribs

The first step in making delicious Chinese pork ribs is selecting the right cut of meat. Look for meaty pork ribs with a good amount of fat, as this will help keep the meat juicy and tender during cooking. Baby back ribs or spare ribs are both great options for this recipe.

Before cooking, be sure to remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat and make it more flavourful. To do this, use a sharp knife to loosen one end of the membrane, then use a paper towel to grip and pull it off.

Essential Chinese Flavours

To achieve the signature flavour of Chinese pork ribs, you will need to use a combination of essential Chinese flavours. Here are some of the key ingredients you will need:

• Soy sauce: This salty, umami-rich sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking and adds depth of flavour to the ribs.
• Hoisin sauce: A thick, sweet sauce made from soybeans, garlic, and spices, hoisin sauce adds a rich, complex flavour to the ribs.
• Honey: A natural sweetener, honey helps balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a sticky, caramelized texture to the ribs.
• Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, garlic adds depth of flavour to the marinade.
• Five-spice powder: A blend of five spices (usually cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns), five-spice powder gives the ribs a warm, complex flavour.
• Ginger: Aromatic and slightly spicy, ginger adds a zingy kick to the marinade.

By using these essential Chinese flavours in combination with other ingredients like sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, and rice vinegar, you can create a marinade that will infuse your pork ribs with mouth-watering flavour.

Preparing the Marinade

If you want to make some delicious Chinese pork ribs in the oven, then you need a good marinade. The marinade is what gives the ribs their flavour and helps to make them tender and juicy. Here is how to prepare the marinade:

Mixing the Ingredients

To make the marinade, you will need soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, salt, wine, five spice powder, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and shaoxing wine. Mix all of these ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste.

Marinating the Ribs

Once you have made the marinade, you need to marinate the ribs. Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the ribs, making sure that they are well coated. Leave the ribs in the bag and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

When you are ready to cook the ribs, remove them from the bag and discard any excess marinade. Let the ribs come to room temperature before cooking. Now, you are ready to cook the ribs in the oven and enjoy the delicious flavour that the marinade has imparted.

Oven Cooking Techniques

Setting Up the Oven

Before you start cooking your Chinese pork ribs in the oven, it's important to set up your oven correctly. Preheat your oven to the required temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your ribs cook evenly and thoroughly.

Next, place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. This will allow the heat to circulate around the ribs, ensuring that they cook evenly on all sides. You can also line the baking sheet with aluminium foil to make cleaning up easier.

Baking the Ribs

Once your oven is preheated and your baking sheet is set up, it's time to bake your ribs. Place the ribs on the wire rack, making sure they are evenly spaced and not touching each other. This will allow the heat to circulate around each rib, ensuring that they cook evenly.

Cover the ribs with aluminium foil and bake them in the oven for around 30 minutes. This will help to keep the moisture in the ribs and prevent them from drying out. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking the ribs for another 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.

If you prefer your ribs to have a crispy exterior, you can remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking and turn up the heat to high. This will help to crisp up the outside of the ribs and give them a delicious crunch.

Baking your Chinese pork ribs in the oven is a simple and easy way to cook them. By following these oven cooking techniques, you can ensure that your ribs come out perfectly cooked every time.

Glazing and Basting

When it comes to making Chinese pork ribs in the oven, the glaze and basting are what make the difference between good ribs and great ribs. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect glaze and basting.

Preparing the Glaze

The glaze is what gives the ribs their caramelized, glossy finish. A typical Chinese pork rib glaze involves a combination of honey, char siu sauce, vinegar, and ketchup. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste. For a sweeter glaze, use more honey, and for a tangier glaze, use more vinegar.

To prepare the glaze, simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. You can also add some soy sauce or oyster sauce for extra flavour. Once the glaze is ready, set it aside until you're ready to baste the ribs.

Basting for Perfection

Basting is the process of brushing the glaze onto the ribs as they cook. This helps to infuse the meat with flavour and keep it moist. To baste the ribs, simply use a pastry brush to apply the glaze to the ribs every 10-15 minutes.

Make sure to baste both sides of the ribs evenly to ensure they cook evenly. As the ribs cook, the glaze will start to caramelize, giving the ribs a beautiful golden-brown colour. Keep basting the ribs until they are fully cooked and the glaze is caramelized and glossy.

A good glaze and basting technique are the keys to making delicious Chinese pork ribs in the oven. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you can achieve perfectly caramelized, glossy ribs that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Serving and Presentation

Accompaniments and Sides

Chinese pork ribs are a delicious and satisfying main course that can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments. One popular option is to serve the ribs with steamed rice, which helps to balance out the rich and savoury flavours of the dish. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds over the rice to add a nutty and aromatic flavour to the dish.

Another great side dish to serve with your Chinese pork ribs is stir-fried bok choy. This green vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals, and its mild flavour pairs perfectly with the bold and savoury flavours of the ribs. To make the bok choy, simply wash and chop the leaves and stems, then stir-fry them in a little oil with some garlic and ginger until they are tender but still slightly crunchy.

Finishing Touches

To give your Chinese pork ribs an extra pop of flavour, consider grating some fresh ginger over the top just before serving. This will add a spicy and aromatic kick to the dish that will complement the savoury flavours of the marinade.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional Chinese pork ribs, you can try making a baked version instead. This will reduce the amount of calories and fat in the dish, while still retaining all of the delicious flavours and textures. You can find nutrition facts for different recipes online to help you make an informed decision.

Overall, Chinese pork ribs are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served as a main course or appetizer. With a few simple accompaniments and finishing touches, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that your family and friends will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to ensure my pork ribs stay juicy when cooking them in the oven?

To ensure juicy pork ribs, it's essential to marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for at least 2 hours before cooking. After marinating, place the ribs on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven at 160°C for approximately 1.5 hours. Make sure to baste the ribs with the marinade every 30 minutes to keep them moist and tender.

Could you guide me through the process of slow cooking Chinese ribs in the oven?

Slow cooking Chinese ribs in the oven requires marinating the ribs overnight in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. Preheat the oven to 160°C, place the ribs on a baking sheet, and cook them for approximately 3 hours. Baste the ribs every hour with the marinade to keep them moist and tender.

For how long should I cook Chinese-style ribs in the oven to get them perfectly done?

Chinese-style ribs should be cooked in the oven at 160°C for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste the ribs with the marinade every 30 minutes to keep them moist and tender. To ensure that the ribs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the ribs has reached 75°C.

What are some tips for making a delicious spare ribs dish using soy sauce?

To make a delicious spare ribs dish using soy sauce, marinate the ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for at least 2 hours before cooking. After marinating, cook the ribs in the oven at 160°C for approximately 1.5 hours, basting them with the marinade every 30 minutes. For added flavour, you can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the ribs before serving.

Is there a simple method to prepare Chinese pork ribs using an air fryer?

To prepare Chinese pork ribs using an air fryer, marinate the ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder for at least 2 hours. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C and place the ribs in the basket. Cook the ribs for approximately 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Baste the ribs with the marinade every 5 minutes to keep them moist and tender.

Can you explain how to braise Chinese pork ribs for enhanced flavour?

To braise Chinese pork ribs for enhanced flavour, heat oil in a wok or large pot over medium heat. Add the ribs and stir-fry until browned. Remove the ribs from the wok and set aside. Add garlic, ginger, and spring onions to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Return the ribs to the wok and add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the wok and cook the ribs for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve the ribs with steamed rice and garnish with chopped spring onions.