Chinese pork ribs are a culinary delight enjoyed by many. Whether you prefer them sweet and sour, stewed, or grilled, there are numerous ways to cook pork ribs that will tantalize your taste buds. In this article, I’ll guide you through three classic recipes: Stewed Pork Ribs, Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, and Grilled Pork Ribs with a Special Sauce. Each recipe is designed to be easy to follow and delicious.
Stewed Pork Ribs
Stewed Pork Ribs are a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
- Pork ribs: 1 kg
- Greens (like bok choy): 100g
- Scallions: 2
- Ginger: 3 slices
- Star anise: 2
- Cinnamon stick: 1
- Bay leaves: 2
- Salt: to taste
- White sugar: 2 tbsp
- Rock sugar: 1 tbsp
- Cooking wine: 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 3 tbsp
- Vinegar: 1 tbsp
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Ribs:
- Place the pork ribs in cold water and add some cooking wine.
- Boil the water on high heat until it comes to a rolling boil.
- Pour out the boiling water and rinse the ribs with cold water to remove impurities.
Sear the Ribs:
- Heat some oil in a wok or large pan.
- Add the ginger slices and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the pork ribs and stir-fry over medium heat until they turn brown.
Add Seasonings:
- Pour in the cooking wine, white sugar, soy sauce, and rock sugar.
- Continue stirring until the ribs are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Simmer the Ribs:
- Add vinegar and enough boiling water to cover the ribs.
- Add the scallions, star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves.
- Cover the wok and simmer over medium-low heat for 40-50 minutes until the ribs are tender.
Finish the Dish:
- Remove the scallions, ginger slices, star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves.
- Add a little salt and vinegar to taste.
- Turn up the heat to reduce the sauce until it thickens.
- Serve the stewed pork ribs hot.
Prepare the Greens:
- Blanch the greens in boiling water with a pinch of salt.
- Remove the greens when the water boils and drain.
- Heat a little oil in a pan and quickly stir-fry the greens.
Plating:
- Arrange the stewed pork ribs on a plate.
- Garnish with the stir-fried greens.
Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs
Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs are a tangy and sweet treat that everyone loves. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
- Pork ribs: 500g (cut into small pieces)
- White sugar: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
- Chinese vinegar: 3 tbsp
- Cooking wine: 1 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 4 tbsp
- Chinese onion (scallion): 1 (finely chopped)
- Water or broth: 5 tbsp
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Ribs:
- Cut the pork ribs into small pieces, wash them, and boil in hot water to remove blood.
- Transfer the ribs to warm water, wash, and drain.
Sear the Ribs:
- Heat a little oil in a pan.
- Add the drained pork ribs and stir-fry until they turn golden brown.
Make the Sauce: For every 500g of pork ribs, mix 1 tbsp of cooking wine, 2 tbsp of sugar, 3 tbsp of vinegar, 4 tbsp of soy sauce, and 5 tbsp of water or broth.
Simmer the Ribs:
- Pour the sauce over the ribs in the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes to an hour until the ribs are tender.
Finish the Dish:
- When the ribs are cooked (a chopstick can easily insert into the meat), turn up the heat to reduce the sauce.
- Sprinkle the chopped scallions over the ribs.
- Plating: Serve the sweet and sour pork ribs hot.
Grilled Pork Ribs with Special Sauce
Grilled pork ribs with a special sauce are a delightful and juicy treat. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
- Pork ribs: 1 kg
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Cooking wine: 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 4 tbsp
- Salt: 0.5 tbsp
- Ketchup: 0.5 tbsp
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
- Sugar substitute (or granulated sugar): 4 tbsp
- Garlic cloves: 5 (minced)
- Honey: for glazing
Special Sauce Instructions
Mix the Sauce:
- Combine all the ingredients (except honey and black pepper) in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and heat over low heat until it bubbles.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
Rib Preparation and Marinating
Prepare the Ribs:
- Soak the pork ribs in water to remove blood.
- Pat dry with paper towels or a clean cloth.
- Pierce the ribs with a fork a few times.
Marinate the Ribs:
- Rub the special sauce evenly onto the ribs.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Grilling Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
Grill the Ribs:
- Place the marinated pork ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the ribs, brush with honey, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Cooking Chinese pork ribs can be both fun and rewarding. Whether you enjoy them stewed, sweet and sour, or grilled with a special sauce, each recipe offers a unique flavor experience. The key to success is patience and attention to detail, ensuring that the ribs are cooked to perfection.
Stewed pork ribs are comforting and hearty, perfect for a cold winter day. Sweet and sour pork ribs provide a tangy, sweet burst of flavor that’s irresistible. Grilled pork ribs with a special sauce offer a juicy, smoky taste that’s sure to impress.
No matter which recipe you choose, remember to enjoy the process and savor the delicious result. Happy cooking!
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