Unraveling Indulgence with Flavour-Infused Chinese Pork Spare Ribs Recipe
If you're looking for a tasty and easy-to-make dish, Chinese pork spare ribs are an excellent choice. These ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that makes them incredibly flavorful. They're perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
To make Chinese pork spare ribs, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include pork spare ribs, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice wine. You can also add other ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, and black pepper for extra flavor. If you don't have one of these ingredients on hand, you can make substitutions as needed.
Once you have your ingredients, you'll need to prepare the ribs by marinating them in the sauce. This will help to infuse them with flavor and make them tender. After marinating, you can cook the ribs in the oven or on the grill. They're best served hot with rice and vegetables. With a little bit of preparation, you can make a delicious Chinese pork spare ribs recipe that your whole family will love.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese pork spare ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
- The key ingredients for Chinese pork spare ribs include pork spare ribs, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice wine.
- To make Chinese pork spare ribs, you'll need to marinate the ribs in the sauce and then cook them in the oven or on the grill.
Ingredients and Substitutions
When it comes to making Chinese pork spare ribs, there are a few key ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. In this section, we'll take a closer look at the main ingredients, sauce and marinade, and optional additions that you can use to customise your recipe.
Main Ingredients
The star of the show, of course, is the pork spare ribs. You'll want to choose a meaty cut that has enough fat to keep the meat tender. St. Louis-style ribs are a popular choice, but you can also use baby back ribs or spare ribs with straight bones. You'll need around 2 kg / 4 lbs of ribs for this recipe.
Other main ingredients include garlic and ginger, which add flavour and depth to the marinade. You'll also need sesame oil, which gives the ribs a rich, nutty flavour, and soy sauce, which provides saltiness and umami.
Sauce and Marinade
The sauce and marinade are what give these ribs their signature sticky, sweet and sour flavour. You'll need a combination of brown sugar or honey, tomato sauce or ketchup, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and sambal oelek. These ingredients are combined with the main ingredients to create a marinade that is brushed onto the ribs before they're cooked.
To make the marinade, you'll need to finely chop the garlic and ginger and mix it with the other ingredients. You can adjust the amount of sweetness or spiciness to suit your tastes. Some recipes call for Shaoxing wine, which adds a complex, savoury flavour to the marinade.
Optional Additions
If you want to customise your recipe, there are a few optional additions that you can use to add extra flavour and texture. Some recipes call for five spice powder, which is a blend of cinnamon, star anise, white pepper, fennel, and cloves. This adds a warm, aromatic flavour to the marinade.
Other optional additions include rice wine, which is similar to Shaoxing wine but has a milder flavour, and lemon juice, which adds a bright, tangy note to the marinade. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the ribs before serving for extra crunch.
The combination of these main ingredients, sauce and marinade, and optional additions creates a flavourful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Preparation Techniques
Preparing Chinese pork spare ribs requires several techniques to ensure that the meat is tender, juicy, and flavourful. Here are some techniques that you can use to prepare pork spare ribs:
Marinating the Ribs
Marinating the pork ribs is an essential step to infuse the meat with flavour and make it tender. You can use a marinade made of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder. You can marinate the ribs overnight in the fridge or for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Ensure that the marinade covers the ribs evenly.
Blanching for Tenderness
Blanching the pork ribs is a crucial step to make them tender. Blanching involves boiling the ribs for a few minutes and then draining them. You can add ginger, garlic, and scallions to the blanching water to add flavour. After blanching, rinse the ribs in cold water to stop the cooking process.
Roasting and Glazing
Roasting and glazing the pork ribs give them a glossy appearance and caramelised flavour. After blanching, you can roast the ribs in the oven for about 30 minutes at low heat. You can brush the ribs with a glaze made of honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and char siu sauce. After glazing, you can broil the ribs for a few minutes to give them a charred flavour.
To ensure that the meat is juicy, you can wrap the ribs in foil while roasting. You can also add a braising liquid made of chicken stock, soy sauce, and sugar to the foil to add moisture and flavour to the meat.
Whether you are using meaty ribs or baby back ribs, these preparation techniques will help you achieve delicious Chinese pork spare ribs.
Cooking Instructions
Oven Roasting Steps
If you prefer a crispy texture, oven roasting is a great way to cook Chinese pork spare ribs. Preheat your oven to 160°C/320°F. Place the ribs and all the marinade into a baking dish large enough so the ribs are in a single layer, but not so large that they are too spread out. Add water up to about 1/3 of the way up the ribs. Cover tightly with foil and place in oven to cook for approximately 1.5 hours.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you want to try something different, you can also try grilling or smoking the pork spare ribs. For Chinese BBQ, marinate the ribs with red food coloring, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, and sugar. Grill the ribs over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes. For a smoky flavor, add some Sichuan peppercorn to the marinade. Smoke the ribs for 2-3 hours at 225°F, using hickory or applewood chips.
When cooking pork spare ribs, it is important to keep an eye on the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest time. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
To serve, garnish the juicy and meaty pork ribs with scallions and serve with white rice. You can also pair them with a dry sherry for a perfect meal.
Before cooking, make sure to marinate the pork spare ribs for at least two hours in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking Chinese pork spare ribs:
- Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Marinate the pork ribs with soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar for at least two hours.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C/320°F. Place the ribs and all the marinade into a baking dish, cover with foil, and add water up to about 1/3 of the way up the ribs.
- Cook the ribs for approximately 1.5 hours.
- Garnish with scallions and serve with white rice.
Nutritional information for Chinese pork spare ribs varies depending on the cooking method and ingredients used. However, pork is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.
Serving Suggestions
Once you've cooked up a batch of delicious Chinese pork spare ribs, it's time to think about how you're going to serve them. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Accompaniments
- Fried Rice: A classic accompaniment to Chinese spare ribs is fried rice. The combination of savoury pork and fluffy rice is a match made in heaven. Try making your own fried rice at home using our easy recipe.
- Garlicky Broccoli: To balance out the richness of the pork, try serving your spare ribs with a side of garlicky broccoli. Simply sauté some chopped garlic in oil, then add in your broccoli and stir-fry until tender. For an extra kick, you can add some chilli flakes or a splash of soy sauce.
- Bok Choy: Another great option for a green side dish is bok choy. This Chinese cabbage has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and pairs perfectly with pork. Try stir-frying it with some garlic and ginger for added flavour.
Presentation Tips
- Garnish with Scallions and Sesame Seeds: To make your spare ribs look as good as they taste, try garnishing them with some thinly sliced scallions and sesame seeds. This will add a pop of colour and texture to your dish.
- Serve with Egg Rolls: For a complete Chinese meal, serve your spare ribs with some egg rolls on the side. These crispy, savoury snacks are the perfect accompaniment to pork spare ribs.
- Nutritional Information: If you're watching your calorie intake or trying to eat more healthily, you may be interested in the nutritional information for Chinese pork spare ribs. According to RecipeTin Eats, a serving of spare ribs contains around 400 calories, 22g of fat, and 35g of protein. Keep in mind that this may vary depending on the recipe you use and the portion size you serve.
Storage and Reheating
Once you've made your delicious Chinese pork spare ribs, you may have some leftovers that you want to save for later. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat them properly.
Storage
First, let the ribs cool down to room temperature. Then, wrap them tightly in foil and store them in the refrigerator. The ribs will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Reheating
When you're ready to eat the leftover ribs, there are a few ways to reheat them. One of the easiest ways is to simply place them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C and place the ribs in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until the ribs are heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the ribs on the stovetop. Place the ribs in a pot and add a little bit of water. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the ribs over low heat for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through.
It's important to note that reheating the ribs too many times can dry them out and affect their flavour. So, try to reheat them only once, if possible.
By following these simple tips, you can store and reheat your Chinese pork spare ribs properly and enjoy them again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make Chinese spare ribs in the oven?
To make Chinese spare ribs in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder in a bowl. Brush the mixture over the ribs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, brushing the ribs with the sauce every 15 minutes. Once the ribs are cooked, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What's a simple way to prepare Chinese pork spare ribs?
A simple way to prepare Chinese pork spare ribs is to marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. Then, place the ribs in a baking dish and bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 45-60 minutes, until they are cooked through and tender.
Is there a quick recipe for Chinese pork spare ribs?
Yes, there is a quick recipe for Chinese pork spare ribs. Mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder in a bowl. Rub the mixture over the ribs and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes. Then, grill the ribs over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and caramelized.
How do you cook spicy Chinese pork spare ribs?
To cook spicy Chinese pork spare ribs, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, and sambal oelek in a bowl. Rub the mixture over the ribs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. Then, bake the ribs in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 45-60 minutes, until they are cooked through and tender.
What's the trick to delicious braised Chinese pork ribs?
The trick to delicious braised Chinese pork ribs is to first sear the ribs in a hot pan to give them a crispy exterior. Then, add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine, and chicken broth to the pan and let the ribs simmer in the sauce for 1-2 hours, until they are tender and flavorful.
Can you recommend a method for cooking Chinese pork ribs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook Chinese pork ribs in an air fryer. Mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder in a bowl. Rub the mixture over the ribs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. Then, place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes per side, until they are cooked through and crispy.