Chinese Spare Ribs Recipe: Easy Pressure Cooker Method

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably had spare ribs before. But have you ever tried making them in a pressure cooker? It's a quick and easy way to get delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs in a fraction of the time it would take to cook them in the oven. In this article, we'll share a Chinese spare ribs recipe for the pressure cooker that you can make at home.

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including pork spare ribs, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. We'll also provide some substitutions you can make if you don't have all the ingredients on hand. Before cooking, you'll need to prepare the ribs by removing the membrane, seasoning them with a dry rub, and letting them marinate for a few hours. Then, it's time to pressure cook them to perfection. We'll walk you through the process step by step, so even if you're new to pressure cooking, you'll be able to make this recipe with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese spare ribs can be easily made in a pressure cooker for a quick and delicious meal.
• The key ingredients for this recipe include pork spare ribs, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar.
• Seafood can be added to the recipe for a unique twist.

Ingredients and Substitutions

When it comes to making Chinese-style spare ribs in a pressure cooker, you'll need a few key ingredients to get that authentic flavour. Here are some of the main components you'll need to consider:

Choosing the Ribs

For this recipe, you'll want to use St. Louis-style ribs, which are meatier and fattier than baby back ribs. You can also use spare ribs, which have more bone and less meat. If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, you can use baby back ribs instead, but keep in mind that the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Marinade and Seasoning

The marinade is what gives these ribs their signature flavour. You'll need soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, Chinese five spice, sesame seeds, brown sugar, and vinegar. If you don't have Chinese five spice, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, and star anise. You can also add sherry or rice wine for a more authentic flavour.

If you want to add a bit of heat to your ribs, you can include some red chilli or paprika in the marinade. You can also add a few drops of red food colouring to give the ribs that classic red hue.

Sauce and Glaze Components

To make the sauce for the ribs, you'll need oyster sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine. You can also add garlic and ginger for extra flavour. This sauce is used to glaze the ribs after they've been pressure cooked.

If you want to add a seafood twist to your ribs, you can include some shrimp paste in the sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the ribs with a side of prawns or scallops for a surf and turf-style meal.

Overall, these ingredients can be easily found at your local supermarket or Asian grocery store. With a bit of preparation and the right ingredients, you can make delicious Chinese-style spare ribs in your pressure cooker that are sure to impress your guests.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before you start cooking your Chinese-style spare ribs in a pressure cooker, there are a few things you need to do to prepare the ribs.

Trimming and Cleaning Ribs

Firstly, you need to prepare the ribs by trimming off any excess fat and cleaning them. You can use either spare ribs or baby back ribs for this recipe. If you are using spare ribs, remove the tough membrane from the underside of the ribs. This will help the dry rub and marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.

Marinating the Ribs

Next, you need to marinate the ribs. You can use a dry rub or a liquid marinade for this recipe. For a dry rub, mix together kosher salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper in a bowl. Rub the mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. For a liquid marinade, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Place the ribs in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the ribs, making sure that they are fully coated.

You can also add seafood to the marinade if you like. Shrimp or scallops would work well in this recipe. Simply add them to the marinade along with the ribs and let them marinate together.

Allow the ribs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours if you have time. This will allow the flavours to develop and the meat to become more tender. Once the ribs are marinated, you are ready to start cooking them in your pressure cooker.

Pressure Cooking Process

Cooking Chinese spare ribs in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to achieve tender, succulent meat. Here are the steps to follow to get the best results:

Setting Up the Pressure Cooker

Before you start cooking, make sure your pressure cooker is clean and in good working order. Add a tablespoon of oil to the cooker and heat it up. Then, add the ribs and brown them on all sides. This will help to seal in the juices and give the meat a nice flavour.

Next, add some water to the cooker. The amount of water you need will depend on the size of your pressure cooker. As a general rule, you should add enough water to cover the ribs, but not too much that it overflows.

Cooking Time and Pressure Levels

Once you have added the water, add a pinch of salt and put the lid on the pressure cooker. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for 30 minutes. If you are using an electric pressure cooker, set it to manual mode.

Natural vs Quick Release

After the cooking time is up, you have two options for releasing the pressure: natural release or quick release. Natural release means letting the pressure cooker cool down on its own, which can take around 15 minutes. Quick release means manually releasing the pressure by turning the valve on the pressure cooker.

For the best results, we recommend using the natural release method. This will help to keep the meat tender and juicy. However, if you are short on time, you can use the quick release method, but be aware that the meat may not be as tender.

If you want to add some seafood to the recipe, you can try adding some prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the pressure cooker with the ribs and cook as normal. The total cooking time should be around 30 minutes.

Overall, cooking Chinese spare ribs in a pressure cooker is a great way to achieve tender, succulent meat in a short amount of time. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that your whole family will love.

Finishing with a Perfect Glaze

After pressure cooking your Chinese spare ribs, it's time to add the finishing touch with a delicious glaze. The glaze will not only add a sticky sweetness to your ribs but will also help to caramelise the surface, giving it that irresistible golden brown colour.

Broiling for Caramelization

To achieve the perfect caramelised glaze, you'll need to use your oven's broiler. Preheat your broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil. Place your pressure cooked ribs on the baking sheet and brush them generously with your glaze. Be sure to get every nook and cranny for maximum flavour.

Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the glaze has caramelised and the edges are slightly charred. Keep a close eye on the ribs to avoid burning them. Once done, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

Resting and Serving

After broiling, it's essential to let your ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicy and tender.

Once rested, serve your Chinese spare ribs hot with a side of rice and vegetables. For a seafood twist, you can also try adding some prawns or scallops to your pressure cooker along with the ribs. The seafood will soak up all the delicious flavours and add a unique twist to your dish.

With this simple glazing technique, you'll have perfectly caramelised and sticky Chinese spare ribs that are sure to impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Once your Chinese-style spareribs are cooked to perfection, it's time to think about how to serve them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• As a Main Dish: These ribs are hearty enough to serve as a main course. Pair them with some steamed rice and a side of stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
• As Part of a Larger Spread: If you're hosting a larger gathering, these ribs make a great addition to a buffet or potluck. Serve them alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes like dumplings or fried rice.
• With BBQ Sauce: If you prefer your ribs with a bit of sauce, try brushing them with your favourite BBQ sauce before serving. This will add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the tender pork.
• Lightly Charred: If you're looking for a bit of smokiness and char, try grilling the ribs on a wire rack over high heat for a few minutes after they're cooked. This will give them a nice caramelized crust.
• With Seafood: For a unique twist on the classic recipe, try serving the spareribs with some seafood. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to the plate. Simply grill or sear them separately and serve alongside the ribs.

When it comes to nutrition, these spareribs are a bit on the indulgent side. However, you can make them a bit healthier by serving them with brown rice instead of white. You can also use a wire rack and parchment paper to cook the ribs, which will help remove excess fat.

Overall, these Chinese-style spareribs are a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them for dinner or as part of a larger spread, they're sure to be a hit with your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to getting tender spare ribs in a pressure cooker?

The secret to getting tender spare ribs in a pressure cooker is to cook them at high pressure for a sufficient amount of time. A good rule of thumb is to cook the ribs for 30 minutes under high pressure. Additionally, it's important to let the pressure release naturally for the best results.

How can I infuse a BBQ flavour into my spare ribs using a pressure cooker?

To infuse BBQ flavour into your spare ribs using a pressure cooker, you can add some BBQ sauce to the pressure cooker before cooking the ribs. You can also add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the sauce to give it that smoky flavour.

What ingredients are essential for a traditional Chinese spare ribs sauce?

The essential ingredients for a traditional Chinese spare ribs sauce include soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder. You can also add some chilli flakes or Szechuan peppercorns for some heat.

Can I cook both spare ribs and cabbage together in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook both spare ribs and cabbage together in a pressure cooker. Simply layer the cabbage on top of the ribs and cook them together. The cabbage will absorb the flavour of the ribs and make a delicious side dish.

How do I achieve that classic red colour in my Chinese spare ribs?

To achieve that classic red colour in your Chinese spare ribs, you can add some red food colouring or beetroot juice to the sauce. Alternatively, you can use char siu sauce, which is a Chinese BBQ sauce that gives the ribs a red colour.

What's a good side to serve with pressure-cooked Chinese pork ribs?

A good side to serve with pressure-cooked Chinese pork ribs is steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas. You can also serve some seafood dishes such as prawns or scallops to complement the flavours of the ribs.