Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse culinary traditions. One dish that stands out for its deliciousness and popularity is Chinese-style spare ribs. These tender and flavorful ribs are a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making them a favorite among food enthusiasts. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to cook Chinese-style spare ribs that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this mouthwatering dish:
2 pounds of pork spare ribs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine) or dry sherry
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to your desired level of spiciness)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s start cooking Chinese-style spare ribs:
Step 1: Marinate the Spare Ribs
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), minced garlic, grated ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, white pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. This mixture forms a savory and slightly sweet marinade for the ribs.
Add the bite-sized spare ribs to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for a few hours. Marinating longer allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the spare ribs are marinating. This will ensure that the oven is ready when it’s time to cook the ribs.
Step 3: Arrange the Spare Ribs on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around the ribs, helping them cook evenly.
Arrange the marinated spare ribs on the wire rack, making sure they are not crowded. This allows for proper browning and caramelization.
Step 4: Bake the Spare Ribs
Place the baking sheet with the ribs in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the ribs are cooked through and have a beautiful caramelized glaze.
Occasionally, baste the ribs with any remaining marinade to enhance the flavor and moisture. Be sure to use a clean basting brush to avoid cross-contamination.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the spare ribs are done, remove them from the oven.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Chinese-Style Spare Ribs!
Serve the spare ribs hot as an appetizer or as a main course alongside steamed rice or your favorite Chinese noodles.
Conclusion:
Cooking Chinese-style spare ribs is a delightful culinary adventure that brings the flavors of China to your table. With a savory-sweet marinade and a tender, caramelized finish, these spare ribs are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So, put on your apron and give this recipe a try to savor the taste of authentic Chinese cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen.
