The term “spare ribs” comes from the German word, ribbesper, which refers to ribs cooked on a spear or spit. Spare ribs are a pork dish, with beef cuts referred to as short ribs. The ribs are taken from the belly and breastbone of a pig with the dish popular throughout the world. Different sauces denote regional preferences. This recipe for Asian-style spare ribs is popular in China, Thailand, and Singapore, and calls for indoor braising. This method of cooking is distinct from the outdoor smoking and grilling traditions that are popular in the United States.
Recipe Servings: 4
Prep Time
15 minutes
+ 15 minutes resting
+ 15 minutes resting
Cook Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time
2 hours
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- 1 cup sake (rice wine)
- ½ cup chinese fermented black beans, rinsed and coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 3 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 Tbsp peanut oil
- 2 racks spare ribs (about 4½ lbs), cut into 2-rib sections
- 8 small dried red chili peppers
- 8 garlic cloves, halved
- 2 bunches green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths, plus thinly sliced scallions as needed for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, as needed for garnish
Directions
- Combine sake, black beans, soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, and water in a medium bowl, mixing well. Let stand 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large pan until shimmering.
- Add half the ribs and cook on medium high heat about 5 minutes, turning a few times until browned. Transfer ribs to a platter and repeat with the remaining section of ribs.
- Add the chilies, garlic, and green onions to the pan, reserving some green onions for garnish.
- Cook on medium high heat until fragrant.
- Add the sake mixture, bring to a simmer, and then add the ribs.
- Simmer, covered, over medium-low heat about 60 minutes, turning occasionally until the ribs are tender.
- Uncover and continue to simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Transfer the ribs to a platter and pour sauce into a heat-proof cup or bowl.
- Skim off any fat and sprinkle the ribs with sliced green onions and cilantro.
- Serve accompanied by additional sauce.
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