Chinese Spare Ribs

Chinese Spare Ribs is a flavorful and satisfying dish that features tender pork spare ribs coated in a delicious marinade and glazed with a rich sauce. The spare ribs are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, five-spice powder, chili flakes, garlic, and sunflower oil, infusing them with aromatic and savory flavors. After marinating for 24 hours, the ribs are seared to achieve a caramelized exterior and then simmered in the marinade until tender. The final step involves reducing the sauce with the addition of honey, creating a sticky and glaze-like consistency that coats the ribs. This recipe serves four people and is perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests with a Chinese-inspired dish. Get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of Chinese Spare Ribs.

INGREDIENTS

• 150ml/5fl oz light soy sauce
• 2.5cm/1in piece of fresh root ginger, grated
• 3 teaspoons five-spice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 125ml/4fl oz sunflower oil
• 1kg/21/4lb pork spare ribs, chopped into 5cm/2in pieces
• 3 1/2 tablespoons clear honey

PREPARATIONS

1. In a large bowl, mix together the light soy sauce, grated ginger, five-spice powder, dried red chili flakes, crushed garlic, and 3 1/2 tablespoons of sunflower oil.
2. Add the chopped pork spare ribs to the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with cling film and marinate the ribs in the refrigerator for 24 hours, shaking the bowl occasionally.
4. Drain the marinated pork spare ribs through a colander into a saucepan.
5. Heat a heavy frying pan over medium heat with the remaining sunflower oil.
6. When the oil is very hot, add the ribs a few at a time and sear them until browned, transferring them to the saucepan with the marinade.
7. Bring the contents of the saucepan to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Simmer gently for 30-45 minutes or until the meat is tender.
8. Remove the lid and stir in the clear honey.
9. Increase the heat and reduce the sauce, tossing and stirring the ribs until the water content has evaporated and the ribs are coated with a rich glaze.
10. Serve the Chinese Spare Ribs warm.

YIELD

• Serves 4

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

• Shake the marinating bowl occasionally to ensure even distribution of the flavors.
• Take care when searing the ribs in the hot oil to avoid splattering.
• Keep an eye on the sauce as it reduces to prevent it from burning.

TIPS

• Garnish the Chinese Spare Ribs with sliced spring onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Serve the ribs with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of dried red chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the glaze.

In conclusion, Chinese Spare Ribs are a delicious and flavorful dish that showcases tender pork spare ribs coated in a marinade and glazed with a rich and sticky sauce. The marinade, made with soy sauce, ginger, five-spice powder, chili flakes, garlic, and sunflower oil, infuses the ribs with aromatic and savory flavors. After marinating, the ribs are seared to create a caramelized exterior and then simmered in the marinade until they become tender and juicy.

The final step involves reducing the sauce with the addition of honey, resulting in a thick and luscious glaze that coats the ribs. The combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors creates a harmonious taste experience.

Serve the Chinese Spare Ribs warm, garnished with sliced spring onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and texture. Accompany the ribs with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables to complete the meal and create a well-balanced plate.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, Chinese Spare Ribs are sure to be a hit. The irresistible combination of tender pork, flavorful marinade, and sticky glaze will have everyone reaching for seconds.

In summary, Chinese Spare Ribs are a delectable dish that showcases the flavors of Chinese cuisine. Enjoy the succulent and flavorful pork spare ribs, marinated and glazed to perfection. Try this recipe and savor the delicious blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors that make Chinese Spare Ribs a beloved dish.