Chinese boneless spare ribs are a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. This recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality Chinese spare ribs right in your home kitchen. The preparation is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. With the perfect balance of soy sauce, honey, and spices, these ribs will surely impress your family and friends. In less than an hour, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot but is made with love in your own kitchen.

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it with steamed rice or noodles, add some stir-fried vegetables on the side for a complete meal, or even use it as a filling for bao buns. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something comforting, this recipe for Chinese boneless spare ribs is sure to satisfy your appetite.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

this recipe

Ingredients for Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Pork Ribs: Look for fresh boneless pork ribs at the butcher’s shop; they should be well-trimmed and have a good amount of meat.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while retaining rich flavor.
• Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze; you can substitute with maple syrup if preferred.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses the dish with aromatic flavor without being overpowering.
• Five-Spice Powder: This spice blend brings depth to the dish; use it sparingly if you’re unfamiliar with its strong flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup: Ketchup provides a tangy base that balances the sweetness of honey beautifully.
• Rice Vinegar: This vinegar adds brightness to the sauce; feel free to use apple cider vinegar as an alternative.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature allows the meat to become tender while absorbing all the flavors from the marinade.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, five-spice powder, ketchup, and rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Marinate the Ribs

Place the boneless pork ribs in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the marinade over them and seal tightly. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Bake the Ribs

Remove the ribs from the bag and place them in a baking dish lined with foil. Reserve remaining marinade. Bake uncovered in preheated oven for about two hours or until tender.

Step 5: Glaze and Broil

After two hours, remove the ribs from the oven. Brush generously with reserved marinade before placing them under the broiler on high heat for about five minutes until caramelized.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional sauce if desired. These flavorful ribs pair wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Marinating Time: For maximum flavor absorption, marinate overnight if possible.
• Basting Technique: Baste periodically during cooking for a more flavorful glaze.
• Serving Temperature: Allow ribs to rest for about five minutes after broiling before serving—this helps retain juices.

How to Serve Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

This Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can marinate the ribs a day in advance. Combine the marinade ingredients, coat the ribs, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. This enhances flavor absorption.
• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them, where they can last up to three months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the ribs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power for about 5 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking.

Suggestions for Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Choose the Right Cut of Meat

Selecting the right cut of meat is crucial for making delicious Chinese boneless spare ribs. Look for pork shoulder or pork belly, as these cuts provide the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. Avoid lean cuts like pork loin, as they can become dry and tough when cooked. The marbling in the shoulder or belly ensures that your ribs remain juicy throughout the cooking process. Always ask your butcher for advice if you’re unsure, as they can guide you to the best options available.

Marinate Adequately

Marinating your meat is essential for developing rich flavors in Chinese boneless spare ribs. Use a marinade that combines soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger for an authentic taste. Make sure to marinate your ribs for at least four hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. Avoid skimping on this step; a well-marinated rib will make all the difference in achieving that restaurant-quality taste at home.

Control Cooking Temperature

Cooking temperature plays a significant role in achieving tender Chinese boneless spare ribs. For optimal results, cook them low and slow at around 250°F (120°C). This method breaks down collagen in the meat, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Avoid high temperatures; cooking too quickly can lead to tough, chewy results. If using a grill or oven, monitor the temperature closely to ensure consistent cooking throughout.

Balance Sweetness and Saltiness

A successful recipe for Chinese boneless spare ribs relies on balancing sweetness with saltiness. While sweet ingredients like honey or brown sugar are vital, they should not overpower the savory elements like soy sauce and garlic. Start with equal parts of sweet and salty ingredients and adjust according to your taste preference. A well-balanced marinade enhances flavor without making it overly sweet or salty.

FAQs

What are Chinese boneless spare ribs made of?

Chinese boneless spare ribs are typically made from pork shoulder or belly that is deboned and cut into strips. They are then marinated in a flavorful mixture often consisting of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and various spices before being cooked slowly until tender. The method of preparation gives them their signature sweet-and-savory taste that many people love.

How do I know when my Chinese boneless spare ribs are done?

To determine whether your Chinese boneless spare ribs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Additionally, the meat should easily pull apart with a fork when it’s properly cooked. If it’s still tough or chewy, give it more time in the oven or grill until tender.

Can I make Chinese boneless spare ribs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Chinese boneless spare ribs ahead of time by marinating them a day before cooking. This allows flavors to meld beautifully. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage. When ready to eat them again, reheat gently to avoid drying them out.

Are there any variations for making Chinese boneless spare ribs?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes focus on specific sauces and seasonings, feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your taste preferences. You can add chili paste for heat or use apple cider vinegar for acidity in your marinade. Additionally, consider trying different cooking methods like grilling or smoking for unique flavor profiles while maintaining that classic tenderness.

Conclusion

In summary, creating perfect Chinese boneless spare ribs involves selecting quality cuts of meat and properly marinating them to infuse flavor. Controlling cooking temperature ensures tenderness while balancing sweetness with saltiness elevates taste significantly. Preparing these delicious ribs ahead of time is convenient and allows flavors to develop further. By following these key points meticulously, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen that will impress family and friends alike! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Chinese boneless spare ribs are a delectable dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your home. This easy recipe combines tender, juicy pork ribs with a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices. In just under an hour, you can serve up a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Pair these succulent ribs with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete culinary experience. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish made effortlessly in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless pork ribs
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, five-spice powder, ketchup, and rice vinegar.
3. Marinate the boneless pork ribs in half of the marinade for at least one hour or overnight for best flavor.
4. Place the ribs in a baking dish lined with foil and bake uncovered for about 2 hours.
5. Brush with reserved marinade and broil on high for about 5 minutes until caramelized.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 rib portion (113g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - Marinate overnight for maximum flavor absorption.- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or balancing it with additional soy sauce.- Serve with rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.