Chinese BBQ pork ribs, or Char Siu, are a culinary masterpiece, renowned for their glistening, caramelized exterior and incredibly tender, flavorful meat. The rich, sweet and savory marinade, a carefully balanced blend of soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices, is the key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. This iconic dish, a staple at countless dim sum brunches and celebratory feasts, is surprisingly accessible to home cooks. Forget the takeout – you're about to unlock the secrets to creating restaurant-quality Char Siu right in your own kitchen.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, from preparing the marinade to achieving that perfect glossy finish. We'll cover essential techniques for ensuring tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs and offer helpful tips for navigating potential pitfalls. Ready to embark on this delicious culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create some unforgettable Chinese BBQ pork ribs together.
Tools Needed
- Oven
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- Pork ribs: 1 kg
- Salt
- White pepper
- Sugar: 2 teaspoons
- Chinese five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon
- Hoisin sauce: 3 teaspoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Light soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dark soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Chinese rice wine: 1 tbsp
- Fermented red bean curd sauce: 1 tbsp
- Peanut butter: 1 teaspoon
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Dried rosemary
- Leami's spare rib sauce
- Honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preparing the Marinade and Marinating the Ribs
- Sprinkle salt and white pepper over the pork ribs.
- Add 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder, and 3 teaspoons of hoisin sauce.
- Massage the seasoning into the ribs for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Add 1 tbsp each of oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese rice wine, and fermented red bean curd sauce.
- Add 1 teaspoon of peanut butter and mix well. Rub the mixture into the ribs.
- Marinate the ribs in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
Step 2. Preparing the Baking Tray and Vegetables
- Chop onions for the base of the baking tray.
- Boil potatoes for 10 minutes with salt and olive oil. Drain and place on the baking tray.
- Season the potatoes with salt, white pepper, dried rosemary, and olive oil.
- Place the marinated ribs, onions, and bell peppers on the baking tray. Add the tomatoes.
Step 3. Baking the Ribs
- Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Bake for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for another 15 minutes.
Step 4. Glazing and Finishing the Ribs
- Brush Leami's spare rib sauce onto both sides of the ribs and bake for 5 minutes per side.
- Drizzle honey over the ribs and bake for another 5 minutes per side.
Read more: Super Easy Fall-Off-Bone Chinese Style Ribs: One-Pot Recipe
Tips
- Don't use too much sugar, or the ribs will burn.
- Don't oven ribs without a base to prevent burning. Onions and bell peppers make a great base and add flavor.
- Baking at 180°C prevents burning and gives a nice char.
- Thinner ribs cook faster than thicker ribs. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of pork for Char Siu?
While pork ribs are traditional, you can use pork shoulder or even pork belly for a richer, fattier result. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. How do I achieve that signature glossy shine on the ribs?
The glossy finish comes from a combination of the marinade and a final glazing. Basting the ribs frequently during cooking and brushing with a mixture of honey and soy sauce at the end helps achieve that perfect sheen.
With practice and a little patience, mastering the art of Chinese BBQ pork ribs is achievable for any home cook. Enjoy the delicious rewards of your efforts—tender, flavorful ribs that will impress your family and friends. Now go forth and create your own unforgettable Char Siu masterpiece!