Craving melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone tender ribs? Look no further than this recipe for unbelievably juicy Chinese BBQ spare ribs, a family favorite passed down through generations. Forget dry, tough ribs; this recipe uses a time-tested blend of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavors to create the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The aromatic blend of soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder creates a glistening, sticky glaze that clings beautifully to each tender rib. These ribs are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend feast.
This recipe unlocks the secrets to achieving perfectly tender, flavorful ribs every single time. Forget complicated techniques or obscure ingredients; this recipe is surprisingly simple, using pantry staples to deliver extraordinary results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these restaurant-quality ribs. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Meat cleaver
- Pot
- Slow cooker (or rice cooker with slow cook function) or large pot
- Baking tray
- Oven (or barbecue)
Ingredients
- Pork ribs
- Ginger: 1 large chunk
- Garlic: 6 cloves
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Five-spice powder: ½ teaspoon
- Star anise: 2 pieces
- Hoisin sauce: 5 tablespoons
- Yellow bean sauce: 1 tablespoon (or 2 tablespoons hoisin if unavailable)
- Light soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Dark soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 3-4 tablespoons
- White wine (or Shaoxing rice wine): a good glug
- Water: enough to cover meat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ribs and Marinade
- Cut the pork ribs into appropriate sizes. Cut the thinner ends more chunky.
- slice ginger and crush garlic.
- In a pot, combine ribs with black pepper, five-spice powder, ginger, garlic, star anise, hoisin sauce, yellow bean sauce (or extra hoisin), light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, honey, and white wine. Add water to cover.
Step 2. Slow Cook the Ribs
- Slow cook for 3 hours in a slow cooker, rice cooker (slow cook function), or a pot on low simmer.
Step 3. Reduce the Sauce and Glaze the Ribs
- Reduce the cooking liquid in the pot to a thick glaze.
- Glaze the ribs and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (Gas Mark 4) for 10 minutes, or grill on a barbecue for a few minutes.
Step 4. Bake or Grill to Perfection
- Remove ribs and place on a baking tray.
- Glaze the ribs and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (Gas Mark 4) for 10 minutes, or grill on a barbecue for a few minutes.
Read more: Super Easy Fall-Off-Bone Chinese Style Ribs: One-Pot Recipe
Tips
- If you don’t have a slow cooker or rice cooker, use a pot and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your preference.
- Shaoxing rice wine can be substituted with white wine.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbs: 25-35g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
Yes! Baby back ribs will work just as well, but they may cook slightly faster. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are tender.
2. How can I make these ribs ahead of time?
You can marinate the ribs for up to 24 hours in advance. Once cooked, store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
So there you have it – Mom's secret recipe for the juiciest, most flavorful Chinese BBQ spare ribs you'll ever taste. These ribs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone wanting more. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts!