These Hong Kong ribs are a fun mix of sweet and savory flavors that will make your taste buds jump for joy! With sticky, caramelized sauce and tender meat, every bite is a treat.
When I serve these, I always grab a few extra napkins—things can get a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun, right? 😄 Pair them with rice, and you’ve got a delicious meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Spareribs: These are tender and flavorful, perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find spareribs, baby back ribs are a good alternative. They cook more quickly but can still be delicious.
Soy Sauce: This is essential for seasoning. If you prefer low-sodium options, that works too! For gluten-free needs, try tamari instead.
Hoisin Sauce: This brings sweetness and depth of flavor. You can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar if you have no hoisin on hand.
Honey: It adds a lovely sweetness. Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as substitutes for a different but tasty flavor.
Chinese Rice Wine: If you don’t have this ingredient, dry sherry works well. For alcohol-free cooking, use a mix of chicken broth and a splash of vinegar.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender and Flavorful?
The marinating process is crucial for tender and delicious ribs. It helps the flavors penetrate the meat. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. This way, the meat absorbs all the yummy flavors from the marinade.
- When you’re ready to cook, don’t rush the searing process. Taking a few minutes on each side creates a nice crust that seals in the juices.
- Basting is key when baking! Every 20 minutes, spoon some of the marinade over the ribs to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Finally, for that caramelized, sticky finish, increase the oven temperature at the end. It gives that inviting glaze we all love!
With these tips, your sweet and savory Hong Kong ribs will surely impress your family and friends! Enjoy!
Sweet and Savory Hong Kong Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds pork spareribs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine) or dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including around 2 hours for marinating and 30 minutes for cooking. It’s super easy to prepare and will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
Start by rinsing the pork ribs under cold water and then pat them dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures that they will sear nicely later. Once dried, set them aside while you whip up the marinade.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine, brown sugar, water, five-spice powder, white pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir everything until it’s well combined; this will create a fantastic marinade for your ribs!
3. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the ribs to the bowl, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or transfer the ribs and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, let them marinate overnight.
4. Preheat the Oven:
Before you start cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will prepare it for the ribs to bake to perfection.
5. Sear the Ribs:
In a large ovenproof skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the ribs from the marinade (remember to keep that marinade for later) and sear them in batches until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 3 minutes per side—don’t rush this step, as it adds wonderful flavor!
6. Bake the Ribs:
After searing, pour the reserved marinade over the ribs. Cover your skillet with a lid or foil, and pop it in the preheated oven!
7. Baste for Flavor:
Let the ribs bake for 1 hour. Every 20 minutes, use a spoon to baste the ribs with the sauce. This keeps them moist and infuses even more flavor into the meat.
8. Caramelize the Sauce:
After 1 hour in the oven, carefully remove the lid or foil. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step is super important for getting that beautifully caramelized finish. Be sure to turn the ribs once more during this time.
9. Rest & Garnish:
Once they’re done baking, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like!
10. Serve:
These sweet and savory Hong Kong ribs are best served hot, alongside some steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy each sticky, delicious bite!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ – Sweet and Savory Hong Kong Ribs
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork spareribs are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use baby back ribs or even pork loin if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
Can I Make These Ribs in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! After marinating, place the ribs in a slow cooker with the marinade, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse deeply while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
How Should I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them in short bursts, covered, to maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze These Ribs?
Yes, these ribs freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Enjoy cooking and savoring your Sweet and Savory Hong Kong Ribs!