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Chinese-style ribs

Materials

For the Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ribs:

  • 3-4 pounds of pork ribs baby back ribs or spare ribs

For the Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

Instructions

Marinating the Ribs

    Step 1: Preparing the Marinade:

    • In a mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, Chinese five-spice powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.

    Step 2: Marinating the Ribs:

    • Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring that they are well coated. Massage the marinade into the meat, making sure to cover all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize the ribs.

    Cooking the Ribs

    • There are two popular methods for cooking Chinese-style ribs: grilling and baking. Let's explore both options:

    Grilling Method:

      Step 1: Preparing the Grill:

      • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C). Ensure that the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

      Step 2: Grilling the Ribs:

      • Remove the marinated ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Drain any excess marinade from the ribs, reserving it for basting.
      • Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down. Grill the ribs for approximately 15-20 minutes per side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked through. Baste the ribs with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling, brushing it on both sides for added flavor and caramelization.

      Step 3: Resting and Slicing the Ribs:

      • Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender. Slice the ribs between the bones into individual servings and serve hot.

      Baking Method:

        Step 1: Preheating the Oven:

        • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

        Step 2: Baking the Ribs:

        • Remove the marinated ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Drain any excess marinade from the ribs, reserving it for basting.
        • Place the ribs on the prepared baking sheet, bone-side down. Bake the ribs for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and cooked through. Baste the ribs with the reserved marinade every 20-30 minutes, ensuring they are evenly coated and caramelized.

        Step 3: Resting and Slicing the Ribs:

        • Once the ribs are baked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender. Slice the ribs between the bones into individual servings and serve hot.

        Glazing the Ribs

          Step 1: Preparing the Glaze:

          • In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, and oyster sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze is thickened and syrupy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

          Step 2: Glazing the Ribs:

          • Brush the glaze onto the cooked ribs, ensuring they are well coated on all sides. You can apply multiple layers of glaze for a richer flavor and a sticky finish.

          Step 3: Finishing Touches:

          • For an extra touch of presentation, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions over the glazed ribs. This adds a lovely texture and a pop of freshness to the dish.