Craving a dish that's both tangy and satisfying? Look no further than our recipe for the ultimate Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs. This classic Chinese-inspired dish delivers a delightful explosion of flavors – the tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are perfectly balanced by a vibrant, sweet and sour sauce. Forget the takeout; this recipe is surprisingly easy to master at home, resulting in a meal that’s far superior to anything you’ll find in a restaurant. We’ve perfected the technique to ensure juicy, succulent ribs every time.
This recipe emphasizes achieving that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory, using readily available ingredients. We guide you through each step, from preparing the ribs to creating the signature sauce, ensuring a delicious result for even novice cooks. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create some unforgettable Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs!
Tools Needed
- wok
- clay pot (or stainless steel pot/Dutch oven)
- chopping board
- knife
Ingredients
- Pork ribs: 1.5 lbs
- Soy sauce: 1 1/2 tbsp + 3 tbsp
- Black pepper
- Oil: 2-3 tbsp
- Sugar: 4 tbsp
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Ginger: 2-3 inches
- Scallions: 3
- Cinnamon stick: 1
- Star anise: 1
- Chinese cooking wine: 3 tbsp
- Rice vinegar: 3 tbsp
- Plum sauce: 2 1/2 tbsp
- Water: 1 1/2 cups
- Roasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Sear the Ribs
- Cut pork ribs into 1-inch thick strips, between the bones.
- Marinate ribs with soy sauce and black pepper for 15 minutes.
- Preheat wok, add oil, and sear ribs over high heat until slightly charred (1-2 minutes).
Step 2. Build Flavor and Braise
- Add sugar to the wok and stir over medium-low heat to caramelize (3 minutes).
- Add garlic, ginger, scallions, cinnamon stick, star anise, and seared ribs to the wok. Stir for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, rice vinegar, and plum sauce. Stir for a couple of minutes.
- Transfer everything to a clay pot (or suitable alternative). Rinse the wok with 1 1/2 cups of water and add to the pot.
- Simmer over low heat for 50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Step 3. Thicken and Finish
- Discard soggy aromatics. Turn heat to high and stir constantly to reduce the sauce until thick.
- Sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Clean the wok before adding sugar to prevent burning.
- Prepare all ingredients beforehand to avoid burning the sugar.
- A carbon steel wok isn't recommended for simmering acidic ingredients due to reaction with the iron.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different cuts of pork for this recipe?
While pork ribs are ideal for their tenderness, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even boneless pork loin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; tougher cuts will need longer.
2. How can I thicken the sweet and sour sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, simply simmer it for a few more minutes uncovered. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it to your desired consistency.
With this recipe, you've unlocked the secret to incredibly flavorful and tender sweet and sour pork ribs, a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. From the perfectly balanced sauce to the succulent meat, every bite is a testament to the deliciousness of authentic Chinese cuisine. Now go forth and enjoy the fruits of your culinary labor!