Chinese Stir Fry Pork Ribs Recipe: Quick and Easy

If you're looking for a quick and easy Chinese stir fry pork ribs recipe, you're in the right place. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a weekend dinner party. With just a few simple ingredients and a wok, you can create a delicious and flavourful dish that will impress your guests.

To make this recipe, you'll need pork ribs, ginger, garlic, Shaoxing wine, pork stock, sugar, white pepper, sesame oil, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some seafood to the mix. Shrimp, scallops, and squid all work well in this recipe.

To start, you'll need to marinade the pork ribs in a mixture of ginger, garlic, and Shaoxing wine. Then, you'll stir-fry the pork ribs in a wok until they're browned on the outside. Next, you'll add the pork stock, sugar, white pepper, sesame oil, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce to the wok and simmer the mixture until the sauce has thickened. Finally, you'll serve the pork ribs with some steamed rice and your choice of vegetables.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese stir fry pork ribs is an easy and delicious recipe that can be made with just a few simple ingredients.
• You can add seafood to the recipe for an extra burst of flavour.
• Serve the pork ribs with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients and Substitutions

When it comes to making Chinese stir fry pork ribs, there are several primary ingredients that you will need to have on hand. These include pork ribs, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, ginger, sugar, salt, pepper, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, scallions, cornstarch, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, and Chinkiang vinegar.

Primary Ingredients

The pork ribs are the star of the show, and you will need to choose a cut with some marbling of fat to keep the meat tender. St. Louis style ribs are a good option. If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you could use prawns or scallops to add some extra flavour and texture.

Soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine and adds a savoury umami flavour to the dish. Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine that is used to add depth of flavour to the dish. Garlic and ginger are used to add a fragrant aroma and flavour to the dish.

Sauce Components

The sauce components include sugar, salt, pepper, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. These ingredients are used to create a sticky sweet and sour sauce that perfectly coats the ribs.

Flavour Enhancers

Scallions, cornstarch, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, and Chinkiang vinegar are used as flavour enhancers in the dish. Scallions are used to add a fresh onion flavour to the dish, while cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. Vegetable oil is used for frying the ingredients, while rice vinegar and Chinkiang vinegar are used to add a tangy flavour to the dish.

You can also add star anise and five spice powder to the recipe for an extra burst of flavour. Vegetables such as broccoli and carrots can be added to the dish to make it more nutritious and colourful. Spring onions and sesame seeds can be used as a garnish to add extra texture and flavour to the dish. Red chilli or chilli peppers can be added for those who like a bit of heat in their food.

Overall, there are plenty of ingredients that you can use to make a delicious Chinese stir fry pork ribs recipe. With a little bit of experimentation and creativity, you can come up with your own unique twist on this classic dish.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before you start cooking your Chinese stir fry pork ribs, there are a few important steps you need to take to ensure that your dish comes out perfectly. In this section, we'll cover the essential preparation steps you need to take before you start cooking.

Marinating the Pork Ribs

The first step in preparing your pork ribs is to marinate them. This will help to infuse the meat with flavour and tenderize it, making it more succulent and juicy. You can use a variety of different marinades for pork ribs, but we recommend using a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and garlic. You can also add other ingredients to your marinade, such as ginger, scallions, or chilli flakes, depending on your taste preferences.

To marinate your pork ribs, simply mix all of your ingredients together in a bowl and add your pork ribs. Make sure that the pork ribs are fully coated in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you have more time, you can marinate your pork ribs for several hours or even overnight for maximum flavour.

Preparing Vegetables and Garnishes

Once your pork ribs are marinating, you can start preparing your vegetables and garnishes. For this recipe, we recommend using a combination of bell peppers, onions, and scallions. You can also add other vegetables to your stir fry, such as broccoli, carrots, or snow peas, depending on your taste preferences.

To prepare your vegetables, simply wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can also prepare any garnishes you want to use, such as chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.

If you want to add seafood to your pork ribs stir fry, we suggest using shrimp or scallops. Simply sauté them in a separate pan with some garlic and ginger until they are cooked through, and then add them to your stir fry at the end of the cooking process.

By following these preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious Chinese stir fry pork ribs dish that will impress your family and friends.

Cooking Process

When it comes to cooking Chinese stir fry pork ribs, there are two main techniques you can use: stir frying and braising. Both techniques are easy to execute, and they yield delicious results.

Stir Frying Techniques

To stir fry your pork ribs, you will need a wok or a large frying pan. Heat up your wok or pan until it is hot, then add some oil. You can use any type of oil you like, but peanut oil is a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.

Once your oil is hot, add your pork ribs and stir fry them for a few minutes. You want to get a nice sear on the outside of the ribs, but you don't want to overcook them. When the ribs are browned on all sides, remove them from the wok or pan and set them aside.

Next, add your vegetables to the wok or pan and stir fry them until they are tender. You can use any vegetables you like, but some popular choices include bell peppers, onions, and carrots.

Finally, add your pork ribs back to the wok or pan, along with your sauce. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened and the pork ribs are fully cooked.

Braising the Ribs

To braise your pork ribs, you will need a braising liquid. You can use water, hot water, or broth as your braising liquid. You can also add other ingredients to your braising liquid, such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and star anise, to add more flavour to your ribs.

Start by heating up your braising liquid in a large pot. Once it is hot, add your pork ribs and let them simmer for a few hours until they are tender. You can also add vegetables to your braising liquid, such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, to make a complete meal.

Once your pork ribs are fully cooked, remove them from the braising liquid and set them aside. You can serve your pork ribs as is, or you can add a sauce to them for extra flavour.

If you want to add seafood to your pork rib recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply stir fry them with your vegetables, or add them to your braising liquid along with your pork ribs. The seafood will add a nice touch of flavour and texture to your dish.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Accompaniments

Stir-fry pork ribs make a delicious meal on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of accompaniments to make a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions:

• Rice: Steamed white rice is a classic accompaniment to Chinese stir-fry dishes, and it pairs perfectly with pork ribs. You can also try serving the ribs with fried rice for a more substantial meal.
• Noodles: Egg noodles or rice noodles are a great alternative to rice. They can be stir-fried with vegetables and served alongside the pork ribs for a complete meal.
• Dim Sum: If you want to add some variety to your meal, consider serving the pork ribs with some dim sum. Steamed dumplings, buns, and rolls are all great options.
• Spring Onions: Chopped fresh spring onions add a pop of colour and flavour to the dish. Sprinkle them over the pork ribs before serving.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

Choosing the right beverage to pair with your stir-fry pork ribs can enhance the flavours and make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some suggestions:

• White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the pork ribs. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Beer: An ice-cold beer is a refreshing accompaniment to Chinese stir-fry dishes. A light lager or pilsner is a safe bet, but you can also try a darker ale or stout for a more complex flavour.
• Tea: If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, consider serving the pork ribs with a cup of Chinese tea. Green tea or oolong tea are both good options.
• Seafood: For a seafood twist, you can add some shrimp or squid to the stir-fry. The seafood pairs well with the pork ribs and adds a new dimension of flavour to the dish.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigeration and Freezing

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to consume them within 2-3 days. If you're not planning to consume the leftovers within that time frame, consider freezing them. Frozen pork ribs can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When freezing, wrap the pork ribs tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date of freezing.

Reheating Methods

There are several ways to reheat your stir-fry pork ribs. You can use a microwave, an air fryer, or an oven.

Microwave

If you're using a microwave, place the pork ribs in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Heat the pork ribs for 1-2 minutes, or until they're heated through. Make sure to stir the pork ribs halfway through the heating process.

Air Fryer

To reheat your pork ribs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the pork ribs in the air fryer basket and heat them for 5-6 minutes, or until they're heated through. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through the heating process.

Oven

If you're using an oven, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pork ribs in an oven-safe dish and cover the dish with foil. Heat the pork ribs for 10-15 minutes, or until they're heated through. Make sure to stir the pork ribs halfway through the heating process.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your stir-fry pork ribs, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops. Make sure to cook the seafood separately before adding it to the pork ribs. For example, you can pan-fry the shrimp or scallops and add them to the stir-fry pork ribs towards the end of the cooking process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to making Chinese ribs that vibrant red colour?

The secret to achieving that vibrant red colour in Chinese ribs is to use a combination of dark soy sauce and sugar. The dark soy sauce gives the ribs a deep, rich colour, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Should I boil my pork ribs before giving them a stir fry?

Boiling the pork ribs before stir frying them is not necessary, but it can help to tenderize the meat and remove any impurities. However, if you choose to boil the ribs, make sure to let them cool completely before stir frying them to prevent the meat from becoming tough.

Do the ribs become more tender the longer they're cooked?

Yes, the ribs become more tender the longer they're cooked. However, be careful not to overcook them, as the meat can become dry and tough. It's best to cook them until they're just cooked through and still tender.

How long should I marinate pork ribs for a proper Chinese flavour?

For a proper Chinese flavour, marinate the pork ribs for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat and gives it a more authentic taste.

What's the best cut of rib for a Chinese stir fry?

The best cut of rib for a Chinese stir fry is spare ribs. They have a good balance of meat and fat, which makes them tender and flavourful when cooked.

Can you suggest an easy spare ribs recipe with a soy sauce twist?

For an easy spare ribs recipe with a soy sauce twist, try marinating the ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Then, stir fry them with some vegetables and serve with steamed rice. You can also add seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to the stir fry for an extra flavour boost.