This recipe is an easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality ribs at home. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or treating yourself to a special meal, these ribs are guaranteed to impress. Pair them with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete Asian-inspired feast. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds pork spareribs, cut into individual ribs
• 1 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, dry sherry, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
3. Place the spareribs in a large roasting pan and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each rib is well coated. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Remove the ribs from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
5. Cover the roasting pan with foil and bake for 2 hours, turning the ribs halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Baste the ribs with the pan juices and cook uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the ribs are caramelized and sticky.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 1250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 30g
• Vitamin A: 2% DV
• Vitamin C: 4% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Sticky Chinese Spareribs: A Flavorful Asian Delight

Sticky Chinese Spareribs are a must-try dish for anyone who enjoys bold and balanced flavors. This recipe combines the richness of hoisin sauce, the sweetness of honey, and the complexity of Chinese five-spice powder to create a dish that is savory, sweet, smoky, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a weekend treat, these ribs are a crowd-pleaser.

What Makes Sticky Chinese Spareribs Special?

The magic of Sticky Chinese Spareribs lies in the marinade and cooking process. The marinade, a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, dry sherry, ginger, and garlic, infuses the ribs with a deep, complex flavor. The addition of Chinese five-spice powder adds an aromatic touch, enhancing the overall taste profile with hints of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. The slow-cooking method ensures that the ribs become tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. The final step, caramelizing the ribs at a higher temperature, gives them their signature sticky glaze that is both visually appealing and packed with flavor.

Cultural Significance of Chinese Spareribs

In Chinese cuisine, spareribs are a popular dish often served during special occasions or as a comfort food. They represent a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese flavors that are both bold and balanced. The use of ingredients like hoisin sauce and five-spice powder reflects the rich culinary heritage of China, where sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavors are carefully balanced to create dishes that are both satisfying and memorable. These spareribs are not just a meal; they are a connection to a long-standing tradition of Asian cooking. Whether served during Lunar New Year celebrations or enjoyed as part of a casual dinner, they bring a sense of joy and festivity to the table.

Tips for Making Perfect Sticky Chinese Spareribs

• Marinating for Maximum Flavor: Allow the ribs to marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This ensures that the flavors penetrate deep into the meat.
• Room Temperature Before Cooking: Letting the ribs sit at room temperature before baking helps them cook evenly.
• Turning the Ribs: Turning the ribs halfway through the cooking process ensures even caramelization and flavor distribution.
• Basting: Basting the ribs with the pan juices during the final stage of cooking enhances their glossy, sticky finish.
• Garnishing: Green onions and sesame seeds not only add a pop of color but also contribute to the flavor and texture of the dish.

Pairing Suggestions

Sticky Chinese Spareribs pair beautifully with simple sides that complement their bold flavors. Here are some ideas:

• Steamed White or Jasmine Rice: The neutral flavor of rice balances the rich and savory taste of the ribs.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bok choy, snow peas, or broccoli stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce add freshness and a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Pickled Vegetables: The acidity of pickled cucumbers or radishes helps cut through the richness of the ribs.
• Soup: A light miso or hot-and-sour soup makes a great starter.

Health and Nutrition Benefits

While Sticky Chinese Spareribs are undoubtedly indulgent, they also have some nutritional benefits. Pork spareribs are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The marinade, made with ginger and garlic, adds anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Sesame seeds, used as a garnish, provide healthy fats, calcium, and magnesium. That said, this dish is high in sodium and sugar due to the sauces and honey used in the marinade. To make it slightly healthier, you can reduce the amount of honey or use a low-sodium soy sauce.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Sticky Chinese Spareribs are a perfect choice for anyone looking to explore Asian flavors in an easy and approachable way. The recipe is simple enough for home cooks but delivers restaurant-quality results. The dish is versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The ribs’ irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors makes them a universal favorite, even among picky eaters. They are also an excellent introduction to Chinese cuisine for those who may not be familiar with its flavor profile.

Conclusion

Sticky Chinese Spareribs are more than just a dish, they are a culinary experience that brings the warmth and richness of Asian cuisine to your table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something delicious, these ribs are guaranteed to impress. Pair them with your favorite sides, garnish them with fresh herbs, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a dish that’s both comforting and unforgettable.