Chinese Spare Ribs Recipe: How to Make Delicious Sticky Ribs

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you know that Chinese spare ribs are a popular and delicious dish. The tender and juicy meat infused with aromatic spices and sauces make it a favourite among meat lovers. The good news is that you can easily make this dish at home with a few essential ingredients and some simple preparation techniques.

To make the perfect Chinese spare ribs, you'll need to have some essential ingredients on hand, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. You can also add other ingredients such as honey, ketchup, and sesame oil to enhance the flavour. The preparation techniques vary depending on the recipe you choose, but most involve marinating the meat for a few hours to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Once you've marinated the meat, you can cook the Chinese spare ribs using various methods, such as grilling, broiling, or baking. Each method has its unique benefits, such as grilling giving the meat a smoky flavour, while baking makes it more tender. You can also add seafood to the recipe, such as prawns or squid, to add some variety to the dish. Overall, Chinese spare ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that you can enjoy with family and friends.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese spare ribs are a popular and delicious dish that you can easily make at home with essential ingredients and simple preparation techniques.
• You can cook the Chinese spare ribs using various methods such as grilling, broiling, or baking, each with its unique benefits.
• You can add seafood to the recipe, such as prawns or squid, to add some variety to the dish.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese spare ribs, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to ensure that your dish is both delicious and authentic. These ingredients can be divided into three main categories: Meat Selection, Marinade Components, and Seasonings and Spices.

Meat Selection

The first and most important ingredient for Chinese spare ribs is, of course, the meat. Pork ribs are the most common choice, and they are readily available at most supermarkets and butchers. However, you can also use beef ribs or even seafood like prawns or squid as a substitute. If you do choose to use seafood, make sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly.

Marinade Components

The marinade is what gives Chinese spare ribs their distinctive flavour. The components of a good marinade include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sugar, salt, hoisin sauce, vinegar, shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, sesame seeds, honey, five-spice powder, cornstarch, sesame oil, oyster sauce, granulated sugar, low sodium soy sauce, barbecue sauce, and rice wine vinegar. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.

Seasonings and Spices

Finally, the seasonings and spices that you use will also play a crucial role in the flavour of your Chinese spare ribs. Chinese five-spice powder is an essential ingredient, but you can also use other spices like cinnamon, fennel, star anise, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns. Make sure to use these spices in moderation, as they can easily overpower the other flavours in your dish.

In summary, the key to making delicious Chinese spare ribs is to use high-quality meat, a flavourful marinade, and a balanced combination of seasonings and spices. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Preparation Techniques

Preparing Chinese spare ribs requires a few essential techniques that help to bring out the best flavours in the dish. In this section, we will cover the three most important techniques: marinating the ribs, blanching, and braising.

Marinating the Ribs

Marinating the ribs is an essential step in preparing Chinese spare ribs. It helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. To marinate the ribs, you need to mix together the marinade ingredients, including soy sauce, hoisin sauce, shaoxing wine, honey, and ginger. You can also add seafood, such as prawns or squid, to the marinade to give it an extra kick.

Once you have mixed the marinade, place the ribs in a large zipper lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the meat, making sure that each rib is coated evenly. Place the bag in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least four hours, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Blanching

Blanching is another important step in preparing Chinese spare ribs. It involves boiling the ribs for a short period to remove impurities and excess fat from the meat. To blanch the ribs, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and add the ribs. Make sure that the water covers the ribs entirely.

Allow the ribs to boil for about five minutes, then remove them from the water and rinse them under cold running water. This process helps to remove any impurities and excess fat from the ribs, leaving you with tender and succulent meat.

Braising Process

The braising process involves cooking the ribs in a braising liquid over low heat for an extended period. This process helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. To braise the ribs, you need to mix together the braising liquid ingredients, including soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and star anise.

Place the blanched ribs in a large pot and pour the braising liquid over them. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow the ribs to cook for about 1-2 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone.

Seafood can also be used in this recipe. For example, you can add prawns to the braising liquid to give the dish an extra seafood flavour. However, be sure to use seafood that complements the flavours of the dish, such as prawns or squid.

Cooking Methods

When it comes to cooking Chinese spare ribs, there are several methods to choose from. The most common cooking methods are oven baking and slow cooking.

Oven Baking

Oven baking is a popular method for cooking Chinese spare ribs. To bake the ribs, preheat your oven to 180°C. Place the ribs on a baking tray and cover them with a sticky glaze made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Bake the ribs for 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can try using prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the baking tray with the ribs and cook them together.

Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is another great method for cooking Chinese spare ribs. To slow cook the ribs, place them in a slow cooker or crock pot. Add a lid and cook the ribs on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can try using mussels or clams. Simply add them to the slow cooker with the ribs and cook them together.

No matter which cooking method you choose, be sure to use a sticky glaze to give the ribs a delicious flavour. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique recipe.

Serving and Presentation

Plating

When it comes to serving Chinese spare ribs, presentation is key. You want to make sure your guests are impressed not only by the taste but also by the appearance of the dish. The best way to plate the ribs is to place them on a large platter, arranged neatly in a row. You can also place them in a circular pattern, starting from the centre and working your way outwards.

To add a touch of elegance to your presentation, you can use a garnish of chopped scallions or spring onions. Simply sprinkle them over the ribs before serving. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also sprinkle some sesame seeds over the ribs.

Garnishing

Garnishing your Chinese spare ribs is a great way to add some extra flavour and texture to the dish. A popular garnish for this dish is chopped scallions or spring onions. You can also use chopped green onions or chives if you prefer.

Another great way to garnish your spare ribs is to sprinkle them with sesame seeds. This will add a nutty flavour and a crunchy texture to the dish.

If you're looking to add some sweetness to your spare ribs, you can serve them with a side of sweet white rice. The sweetness of the rice will complement the savoury flavour of the ribs perfectly.

If you want to experiment with the recipe, you can also try adding seafood to the dish. Shrimp or prawns are a great addition to Chinese spare ribs. Simply sauté them in a pan with some garlic and ginger before adding them to the marinade. This will give your dish a unique flavour and texture.

Nutritional Information

Chinese boneless spare ribs are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger meal. They are typically made with pork, which is a good source of protein, iron and vitamin B12. However, it is worth noting that they are also high in fat and calories, so it is important to enjoy them in moderation.

Here is some nutritional information for Chinese boneless spare ribs:

• A serving of 8 ounces (227g) of Chinese boneless spare ribs contains approximately 500 calories.
• This serving size also contains 30g of fat, 12g of saturated fat, and 120mg of cholesterol.
• In terms of vitamins and minerals, Chinese boneless spare ribs are not particularly rich. However, they do contain 20% of the daily recommended intake of iron, 4% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, and 3% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A.

If you are looking to make your Chinese boneless spare ribs a little healthier, you could consider using leaner cuts of pork or even substituting the meat for seafood. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to this dish, providing a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Overall, Chinese boneless spare ribs are a tasty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. By making small tweaks to the recipe, such as using seafood or leaner cuts of meat, you can make this dish even healthier without sacrificing any of the flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the trick to getting that authentic red colour in Chinese spare ribs?

The key to achieving that classic red colour in Chinese spare ribs is using char siu sauce, which is a type of sweet and savoury sauce made with ingredients such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. You can easily find this sauce in most Asian grocery stores or online. Alternatively, you can make your own char siu sauce at home. Adding a few drops of red food colouring can also help to enhance the colour.

Can you give me a simple Chinese spare ribs recipe for beginners?

Certainly! Here's a simple recipe that you can try:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C.
• In a bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of char siu sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce.
• Rub the marinade over 1 kg of pork spare ribs and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
• Place the ribs on a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.
• Serve hot with your favourite side dish.

What's the best way to cook Chinese spare ribs in the oven?

The best way to cook Chinese spare ribs in the oven is to first marinate them in a mixture of char siu sauce, honey, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Then, bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred. For extra flavour, you can baste the ribs with the marinade halfway through the cooking time.

How do you make Chinese-style braised pork ribs?

To make Chinese-style braised pork ribs, you'll need:

• 1 kg of pork spare ribs
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 500ml of chicken stock

Here's how to make it:

• Heat the oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
• Add the pork ribs and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the meat is browned on all sides.
• Add the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
• Serve hot with steamed rice.

Is it necessary to boil spare ribs before cooking them?

Boiling spare ribs before cooking them is not necessary, but it can help to remove any impurities and excess fat from the meat. To do this, simply place the ribs in a pot of boiling water and let them cook for 5-10 minutes. Then, drain the water and use the ribs in your preferred recipe.

What type of pork ribs should I use for a classic Chinese spare ribs dish?

For a classic Chinese spare ribs dish, you can use either pork spare ribs or baby back ribs. Pork spare ribs are meatier and have more fat, while baby back ribs are smaller and more tender. Choose the type of ribs based on your personal preference and the recipe you're using. If you want to add seafood to your recipe, you can use prawns or scallops to give your dish a unique twist.