sweet and sour pork spare ribs recipe

sweet and sour pork spare ribs recipe

The Best sweet and sour pork spare ribs recipe

I’m so excited to share this sweet and sour pork spare ribs recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

The dish originated from the Chinese cuisine, where sweet and sour flavors are a staple. The combination of tangy ketchup, sugar, and vinegar creates a perfect balance of flavors that complements the rich pork spare ribs.

To make this dish, you’ll need to start by marinating the spare ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. This will give the meat a deep flavor that will hold up to the sweet and sour sauce.

After marinating, you can coat the spare ribs with cornstarch or flour to create a crispy exterior. Then, simply fry the spare ribs in hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Next, you’ll need to make the sweet and sour sauce by combining ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce has thickened.

Finally, serve the sweet and sour pork spare ribs with steamed vegetables or rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Sweet and Sour Pork Spare Ribs

Sweet and Sour Pork Spare Ribs

4.9 from 699 votes

These sticky, tangy spare ribs are slow-cooked until tender, then glazed with a glossy sweet and sour sauce. The balance of pineapple, vinegar, and brown sugar creates a classic flavor that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ribs

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

For the Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the spare ribs with salt and pepper.
2Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
3Sear the ribs in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
4In the same pot, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
5Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
6Return the ribs to the pot, ensuring they are coated with the sauce.
7Cover and reduce the heat to low.
8Simmer gently for 1 hour, turning the ribs occasionally, until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
9Add the pineapple chunks and sliced bell peppers to the pot.
10Stir in the cornstarch slurry and increase the heat to medium.
11Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the ribs.
12Serve the ribs hot with steamed rice or noodles.
13Garnish with extra pineapple or green onions if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes. You can also bake the ribs in a 350°F oven for 1.5 hours instead of simmering on the stovetop. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.

Watch Video Of How Sweet and Sour Pork Spare Ribs Works

These sweet and sour pork spare ribs are a winner for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a holiday gathering. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors, combined with tender meat, makes them a crowd pleaser every time.

To store leftovers, keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. For reheating, the oven works best to keep the glaze sticky and the meat moist, just cover with foil and warm at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Serve them with extra sauce drizzled on top and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nice finish. They also reheat well in a slow cooker on low if you are feeding a crowd later in the week.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Pork Spare Ribs

Q: What type of pork spare ribs should I use?

For this recipe, you can use either baby back pork ribs or St. Louis-style pork ribs. Baby back ribs are shorter and more curved than St. Louis-style ribs.

Q: Can I use beef or chicken instead of pork?

No, this recipe is specifically designed for pork spare ribs due to their unique texture and flavor profile.

Q: How do I adjust the level of sweetness in the sauce?

You can adjust the level of sweetness in the sauce by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the spare ribs overnight in the refrigerator before frying them.

Q: What if I don’t have cornstarch or flour for coating the spare ribs?

You can omit this step or substitute it with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter coating.

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