easy chinese spare ribs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy chinese spare ribs recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich culinary history of Chinese cuisine, and one dish that never fails to impress is the humble spare ribs. Hailing from the southern province of Guangdong, this dish has been a staple in Chinese restaurants for centuries. The combination of tender meat, crunchy bones, and a sweet and savory sauce is a match made in heaven.

As a busy mom, I love how easy it is to whip up a batch of these delicious ribs at home, using just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. My kids adore them, and they’re always a hit at family gatherings or casual dinner parties. Plus, with its relatively low calorie count and high protein content, spare ribs are a great option for health-conscious families like mine.

One of the key techniques to achieving perfectly cooked spare ribs is to use a gentle heat and cook them slowly over low heat. This helps to break down the connective tissue in the meat, making it tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious. I also like to add some aromatics like garlic and ginger to the sauce for added depth of flavor.

And let’s not forget about the sauce itself – I make mine with a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar for a sweet and savory flavor that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving these ribs as an appetizer or main course, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And with this easy recipe, you’ll be enjoying them in no time!

The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste, or add some extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.

Easy Chinese Spare Ribs

4.8 from 808 votes

These oven-baked Chinese spare ribs are coated in a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and requires minimal hands-on time.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ribs

2 lbs pork spare ribs, cut into individual ribs
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1/3 cup hoisin sauce
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3Pat the spare ribs dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4Drizzle with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper, turning to coat evenly.
5Bake the ribs uncovered for 25 minutes until they are lightly browned and the fat has rendered.
6While the ribs bake, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl until smooth.
7Remove the ribs from the oven and brush generously with the sauce on all sides.
8Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, basting once halfway through, until the glaze is sticky and the meat is tender.
9Turn the oven to broil and cook the ribs for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes.
10Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Small bowl
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra tender ribs, marinate the raw ribs in the sauce for 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. You can substitute hoisin sauce with a mix of 2 tablespoons peanut butter and 1 tablespoon molasses if needed.

Watch Video Of How Easy Chinese Spare Ribs Works

I love how versatile this recipe is – whether you’re serving these ribs as an appetizer or main course, they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends. And with their relatively low calorie count and high protein content, they make for a great option for health-conscious families like mine.

One thing I always do when storing leftover spare ribs is to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating or freezing them. This helps keep them fresh for longer and prevents drying out.

When reheating leftover spare ribs, I like to use the oven method – simply place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Spare Ribs

Q: What type of meat is used for spare ribs?

A: Typically, spare ribs are made from pork belly or back cuts, which are then cut into individual ribs. The meat is then cooked until tender and falling off the bone.

Q: Can I use beef instead of pork?

A: While beef can be used as a substitute for pork in spare ribs recipes, it’s worth noting that beef will have a slightly different flavor profile than pork. If you do decide to use beef, look for thinly sliced cuts like ribeye or sirloin.

Q: How long does it take to cook spare ribs?

A: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your ribs and your desired level of doneness. As a general rule of thumb, spare ribs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

Q: Can I make spare ribs ahead of time?

A: Yes! Spare ribs can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Q: Are there any variations on this recipe that I can try?

A: One popular variation on this recipe involves adding some Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for an extra kick of heat. You can also try using different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic glaze, for added depth of flavor.

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