If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you’re probably familiar with Chinese BBQ ribs. These ribs are a popular dish in Chinese restaurants, and it's not hard to see why. The tender meat, combined with the sweet and savory sauce, makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. And the best part is, you can easily make these ribs at home with just a few ingredients!
Ingredients
To make Chinese BBQ ribs, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 rack of pork spare ribs (about 2-3 pounds) - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup hoisin sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons Chinese five-spice powder - 2 tablespoons minced garlic - 1 tablespoon grated ginger - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste
Pork Spare Ribs
Firstly, let’s talk about the pork spare ribs. This recipe uses a rack of pork spare ribs, which is a cut of meat that comes from the belly of the pig. You can usually find this cut at your local grocery store or butcher shop. It's important to choose a rack of ribs with plenty of meat on them, and make sure they're fresh.
Marinade
The marinade is what gives the ribs their signature flavor. To make the marinade, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk everything together until it's well combined.
Preparing the Ribs
Before you can apply the marinade, you'll need to prepare the ribs. Start by removing the thin membrane that covers the bone side of the ribs. This can be done by using a sharp knife to loosen one end of the membrane, then grabbing it with a paper towel and pulling it off. This step is optional, but removing the membrane will help the marinade penetrate the meat better.
Marinating the Ribs
Once the ribs are ready, place them in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This will give the flavors time to meld together and infuse the meat with their deliciousness.
Cooking the Ribs
When you're ready to cook the ribs, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking the Ribs
Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until they're cooked through and tender. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the meat between two ribs. If it goes in easily and the meat is tender, the ribs are ready.
Broiling the Ribs
Once the ribs are done baking, turn on your broiler and move the baking sheet to the top rack of your oven. Brush the ribs with some of the leftover marinade and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until they're caramelized and slightly charred.
Serving
Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into individual servings. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Here's the nutritional information for one serving (1/4 rack of ribs): - Calories: 350 - Fat: 23g - Carbohydrates: 17g - Protein: 22g - Sodium: 660mg - Sugar: 15g
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious recipe for Chinese BBQ ribs that you can make at home! With just a few simple ingredients and some time to marinate and bake, you can enjoy this classic Chinese dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills?