Indulge in the rich, savory depths of authentic Chinese braised pork ribs – a dish that’s both incredibly comforting and surprisingly easy to make at home. This classic recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, infused with the fragrant warmth of star anise, cinnamon, and soy sauce. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels, yielding restaurant-quality results without the fuss. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and deeply flavorful sauce are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Imagine the succulent meat clinging to the bone, perfectly balanced sweet and savory notes dancing on your tongue.
This recipe unlocks the secrets to achieving that perfect braise, transforming humble pork ribs into a culinary masterpiece. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create some unforgettable Chinese braised pork ribs together.
Tools Needed
- Large pot or wok
- Deep fryer (optional)
Ingredients
- Meaty pork ribs
- Salt
- Light soy sauce
- Green onions
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Star anise
- Cloves
- Chinese wine
- Vinegar
- Chinese five spice powder
- White pepper
- Rock sugar (or ordinary sugar)
- Water
- Cornstarch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Brown the Ribs
- Marinate pork ribs with salt and light soy sauce for half a day .
- Deep fry the pork ribs at 180°C until nicely browned . This step is optional but recommended for better flavor and color .
- Remove pork ribs and most of the oil from the pan, leaving a little for sautéing .
Step 2. Braise the Ribs
- Sauté green onions, ginger, and spices in the remaining oil .
- Return pork ribs to the pan .
- Add Chinese wine, vinegar, light soy sauce, Chinese five spice powder, white pepper, and rock sugar .
- Add enough water to braise the ribs .
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer .
- Simmer for 30-60 minutes, or until pork ribs are tender, flipping halfway through and adding more water if needed .
Step 3. Thicken the Sauce
- Remove pork ribs and set aside; reduce the braising liquid to a thick gravy over high heat .
- Strain the gravy for a cleaner consistency .
- Return the gravy to the pan, reduce further to thicken, and then add a cornstarch slurry to achieve desired thickness .
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Return the pork ribs to the thickened gravy, coating each piece evenly .
- Serve immediately .
Read more: Authentic Cantonese Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Deep frying the ribs improves the color and flavor .
- Use a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise for authentic Chinese flavor .
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-800
- Fat: 40-60g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pork cut instead of ribs?
While ribs are ideal for their bone-in tenderness, you can substitute with pork shoulder or belly. Just adjust the braising time accordingly – tougher cuts will need longer.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a few dried chilies or a dash of chili oil to the braising liquid for extra heat. Fresh ginger can also boost the spiciness.
3. What should I serve with braised pork ribs?
They're delicious served with steamed rice, noodles, or even alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
There you have it – a simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe for Chinese braised pork ribs. Enjoy the tender, flavorful results of your culinary efforts, and savor the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. This recipe is a perfect testament to how delicious and easy authentic Chinese cooking can be.