featured 4020

Sweet and Sticky Chinese Pork Ribs

Mastering Homemade Chinese BBQ Pork Spareribs: Your Ultimate Sticky & Tender Recipe

Tired of expensive takeout that just doesn’t hit the spot? Unlock the secrets to creating unbelievably delicious, sticky, and tender Chinese BBQ Pork Spareribs right in your own kitchen! This easy-to-follow recipe is designed to impress the entire family and will quickly become a cherished favorite.

There’s a common claim that homemade dishes surpass restaurant versions, but when it comes to these Chinese BBQ Pork Spareribs, it’s not just a claim – it’s a fact. Prepare yourself for a culinary experience that is light-years beyond anything you’d find on a typical pu-pu platter. These ribs are incredibly juicy, wonderfully sticky, succulent, and simply outrageously tasty. And for an unexpected twist, we serve them with a zesty spicy honey mustard dipping sauce. This combination is so good, it’s almost unbelievable!

Why Make Chinese BBQ Spareribs at Home?

Beyond the undeniable flavor, there are numerous benefits to crafting your own Chinese BBQ Pork Spareribs. You gain complete control over the quality of ingredients, allowing you to choose fresh, high-quality pork and customize the marinade to your exact preferences. Say goodbye to excessive preservatives or artificial colors often found in commercial versions. Making them at home also fills your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma, turning meal preparation into a delightful sensory experience. Plus, it’s often more economical than ordering out, especially when feeding a crowd.

The Secret to Fall-Off-The-Bone Tenderness: Removing the Silver Skin

One of the most crucial steps for achieving truly tender ribs is often overlooked by home cooks: removing the silver skin. This thin, tough membrane on the back of the ribs does not break down during cooking and can result in a chewier texture. Taking a few moments to remove it ensures your ribs will be perfectly fall-off-the-bone tender and allows the flavorful marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively. Simply slide a knife under the membrane at one end, grasp it with a paper towel for grip, and pull it off. It’s easier than you think and makes a world of difference!

Platter of glossy, red Chinese BBQ Pork Spareribs with sesame seeds and dipping sauce

Chinese BBQ Pork Spareribs Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Print
Pin
Rate

Author: Erica

Ingredients for Irresistible Chinese BBQ Ribs

  • 4 lbs pork spareribs (ensure silver skin is removed and cut into individual ribs for best results)
  • ¼ c dry sherry
  • ¼ c reduced sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ c hoisin sauce
  • 1 T brown sugar
  • 2 T freshly minced garlic
  • 1 t Sriracha sauce
  • ½ t Chinese 5-spice powder
  • ½ t onion powder
  • ¼ t ground ginger powder
  • 3 T honey
  • 1 T sesame oil
  • ½ c Chicken Stock
  • 2 T spicy Chinese mustard (for the dipping sauce)
  • 2 T honey (for the dipping sauce)
  • toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Ribs

  • Prepare the Marinade: Place the prepared pork spareribs (silver skin removed, cut into individual ribs) into a large, sturdy resealable bag. In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the sherry, reduced sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, Sriracha, Chinese 5-spice powder, onion powder, ground ginger, honey, sesame oil, and chicken stock until well combined. This is your flavorful Chinese BBQ marinade. Pour the entire marinade mixture into the bag with the ribs, ensuring all rib pieces are fully coated. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Place the bag in the refrigerator and allow the ribs to marinate overnight (ideally 12-24 hours) for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Preheat Oven: The next day, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). A low and slow cooking temperature is key for tenderizing the ribs.
  • Initial Bake: Carefully remove the ribs from the marinade, reserving all of the leftover marinade in a small saucepan for later use. Arrange the ribs in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Add ½ cup of chicken stock to the baking pan (this creates steam and helps keep the ribs moist). Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil, creating a good seal to trap the moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 ½ hours.
  • Reduce Marinade: While the ribs are baking, take the reserved marinade and place the small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the marinade to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and reduced to approximately ½ cup. This concentrated sauce will be used for basting. Be sure to simmer it long enough to kill any bacteria from the raw pork.
  • Prepare Dipping Sauce: For the unique Chinese Honey Mustard dipping sauce, simply mix the spicy Chinese mustard and the additional honey in a small bowl. Set aside to serve with the finished ribs.
  • Broil to Perfection: After 1 ½ hours, remove the ribs from the oven. Carefully discard the foil and pour off any accumulated pan juices (these can be quite fatty). Increase the oven temperature and turn on the broiler. Generously baste both sides of the ribs with the thickened, reserved marinade. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook until the ribs are beautifully glazed and slightly charred, turning them once to ensure even cooking (this usually takes about 2 minutes per side, but watch them closely as broilers vary). Once done, transfer the ribs to a serving platter. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately with the delightful Chinese Honey Mustard dipping sauce.

Tips for Achieving the Best Chinese BBQ Pork Ribs

  • Quality Pork: Start with good quality pork spareribs. Look for meaty ribs with a good ratio of meat to fat.
  • Don’t Rush the Marinade: The overnight marination is crucial for infusing deep flavors. Plan ahead!
  • Slow and Low Cook: The initial low-temperature baking ensures the ribs become incredibly tender before the final high-heat glaze.
  • Watch the Broiler: Broilers can be intense. Keep a close eye on your ribs during the final step to prevent burning, aiming for a beautiful char and sticky glaze.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Reducing the reserved marinade intensifies its flavor and creates that signature sticky glaze. Don’t skip this step!

What to Serve with Your Chinese Spareribs

These flavorful ribs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement their rich taste. Classic choices include steamed white rice or fried rice, which help soak up any extra sauce. For a lighter accompaniment, consider a crisp Asian-inspired salad, stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or broccoli, or even some simple steamed green beans. Noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein, also make an excellent pairing for a more substantial meal. Don’t forget to offer extra honey mustard on the side!

Storage and Reheating

Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s rare!), these Chinese BBQ Pork Spareribs store well. Place cooled ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or for a quicker option, microwave them. If reheating in the oven, covering them with foil can help prevent them from drying out. A quick brush with a little extra hoisin sauce or honey before reheating can also help restore their glossy appearance and add moisture.

With this comprehensive guide and detailed recipe, you’re now equipped to create Chinese BBQ Pork Spareribs that will outshine any restaurant version. The combination of succulent pork, a rich, sweet, and savory marinade, and that irresistible sticky glaze, finished with a unique spicy honey mustard, promises a truly memorable meal. Gather your ingredients, get ready to marinate, and prepare to delight your taste buds!

~✿♥✿~​