Chinese spare ribs are a beloved dish known for their tender meat, rich flavors, and sticky, savory-sweet glaze. Whether you want to recreate your favorite takeout or try an authentic braised recipe, cooking Chinese spare ribs at home is easier than you think. This article will walk you through different methods, ingredients, and tips to make mouthwatering Chinese spare ribs that will impress your family and friends.
What Are Chinese Spare Ribs?
Chinese spare ribs typically refer to pork ribs cooked with a blend of Asian spices and sauces like soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sometimes fermented soybean paste. The ribs can be cooked in various ways: braised slowly for tenderness, marinated and baked for a sticky finish, or grilled for smoky flavor. The hallmark is a balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors with a tender texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of common ingredients used in Chinese spare ribs recipes:
– Pork spare ribs (with or without bones)
– Soy sauce (light and/or dark)
– Hoisin sauce
– Oyster sauce
– Sugar (white or brown)
– Garlic and ginger
– Chinese five-spice powder
– Sesame oil
– Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine) or dry sherry
– Star anise and cinnamon sticks (for braising)
– Scallions (green onions) for garnish
– Cornstarch (to thicken sauce)
How to Cook Chinese Spare Ribs: Two Popular Methods
1. Braised Chinese Spare Ribs (Slow-Cooked and Aromatic)
This method involves simmering the ribs in a fragrant sauce until the meat is tender and infused with flavor.
Step-by-step:
– Blanch the ribs: Place ribs in boiling water for about 5 minutes to remove impurities, then drain.
– Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a wok or pot, sauté ginger, garlic, scallions, star anise, and cinnamon until fragrant.
– Add sauces and liquids: Stir in fermented soybean paste, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, and water.
– Simmer: Add the ribs back to the pot, reduce heat, and braise for about 3 hours, turning occasionally.
– Thicken sauce: Mix cornstarch with water and add to the pot to thicken the sauce.
– Serve: Place ribs on a plate, pour sauce over, and garnish with scallions.
This method yields ribs that are tender, deeply flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal.
2. Oven-Baked Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs (Sticky and Crispy)
If you prefer a quicker method with a sticky glaze and crispy edges, try marinating boneless ribs and baking them.
Step-by-step:
– Prepare the marinade: Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, ketchup, rice wine vinegar, and toasted sesame oil.
– Marinate: Coat the ribs in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
– Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place ribs on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation.
– Cook: Bake for 15 minutes, flip ribs, brush with reserved marinade, and bake another 15 minutes.
– Broil: Finish under the broiler for 2 minutes on each side to get crispy edges.
– Serve: Let rest briefly and serve with extra sauce if desired.
This method produces ribs that are sweet, tangy, and have that classic Chinese takeout texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Chinese Spare Ribs
– Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate ribs overnight.
– Use the right cut: Spare ribs with bones add flavor, but boneless ribs or pork loin strips work well for quick recipes.
– Don’t skip blanching: It removes impurities and results in cleaner-tasting ribs.
– Balance flavors: Adjust sweetness and saltiness to your taste by tweaking sugar and soy sauce amounts.
– Cook low and slow for braising: This ensures tender meat that falls off the bone.
– Use a wire rack for baking: Helps ribs crisp evenly without sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese spare ribs pair wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried vegetables or bok choy. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Chinese spare ribs are a versatile dish that can be slow-braised for rich, aromatic flavors or quickly baked for sticky, crispy perfection. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this classic Chinese favorite anytime at home. Give these methods a try and savor every delicious bite!