North China-style barbecued lamb ribs offer a unique culinary experience, a delightful blend of savory, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Unlike other preparations, this recipe emphasizes a rich, dark glaze built from a complex layering of spices and aromatics, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful ribs. The characteristic char and deep caramelization are achieved through a precise grilling technique, enhancing the natural richness of the lamb. This isn't your typical BBQ; this is a journey into the heart of authentic North Chinese cuisine.
Forget dry, tough ribs! This recipe unlocks the secret to perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb, showcasing the best qualities of this prized cut of meat. Prepare for an explosion of flavor with each juicy bite. Ready to embark on this flavorful adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create these unforgettable North China lamb ribs.
Tools Needed
- Charcoal oven or electric oven
- Bowl
- Marinade container
Ingredients
- Lamb ribs
- Ginger
- Peppercorns
- Water
- Apple
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Onion
- Garlic
- Welsh Onion (or regular onion)
- Cumin powder
- Fennel powder
- Chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Lamb Ribs
- Soak lamb ribs in ginger, peppercorn, and room temperature water to remove strong odor.
- Let it soak for about an hour.
- Combine apple, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, salt, onion, ginger, and welsh onion.
- Massage the marinade into the lamb ribs and let it marinate for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
Step 2. Marinate the Lamb Ribs
- Combine apple, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, salt, onion, ginger, and welsh onion.
- Massage the marinade into the lamb ribs and let it marinate for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
Step 3. Cook the Lamb Ribs (Charcoal)
- If using a charcoal oven, prepare two burning coals. Place the lamb ribs on the grill.
- For charcoal cooking, apply cumin powder, fennel powder, salt, and chili powder to both sides of the ribs after 15-20 minutes.
- Cook until the lamb ribs are done.
Step 4. Cook the Lamb Ribs (Electric Oven)
- If using an electric oven, preheat to 220°C and cook for 80 minutes.
- Cook until the lamb ribs are done.
Read more: Easy Char Siu Chicken Roast: Sweet & Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe
Tips
- If you prefer the original flavor of the lamb, you can skip the marinade step.
- Different charcoal ovens may require adjusting cooking times.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of lamb?
While lamb ribs are ideal, you can try this recipe with other bone-in lamb cuts like shoulder or leg, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Expect longer cooking times for tougher cuts.
2. What if I don't have a grill?
You can adapt this recipe for an oven. Bake the ribs at a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) for a longer period, basting frequently, until tender. You may achieve less char this way.
3. How do I store leftover ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
These North China-style barbecued lamb ribs are a testament to the power of simple ingredients expertly combined. The result is a dish that's both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. So fire up your grill and get ready to experience the authentic taste of Northern China!