Authentic Chinese Braised Spare Ribs Recipe – Flavorful and Tender

Introduction

Chinese Braised Spare Ribs are a traditional Chinese recipe with great cultural significance. This beloved dish has been passed down through generations and is often enjoyed as a family meal. The secret to its rich flavour is combining key ingredients such as Zhenjiang vinegar, Shaoxing rice wine, and rice vinegar. The tender spare ribs are marinated in a savoury sauce and slow-cooked to perfection. The result is succulent meat infused with a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavours. Chinese Braised Spare Ribs satisfy and bring people together, making it a cherished dish in Chinese households.

Background of the Dish

Chinese Braised Spare Ribs have a rich history deeply rooted in the Chinese culinary heritage. This popular dish has evolved, with various regions and cooking styles contributing to its unique flavours. The origins of this recipe can be traced back to traditional Chinese cooking methods, which focused on slow braising to tenderize the meat and infuse it with rich flavours. The dish has since become a staple in Chinese cuisine, enjoyed by people of all ages. Combining succulent spare ribs, fragrant spices, and a savoury sauce makes Chinese Braised Spare Ribs delightful and satisfying. Today, this dish continues to be cherished for its delicious taste and cultural significance.

Personal Experience with the Dish

• Growing up, my family had a unique recipe for this dish that has been passed down for generations.
• I have fond childhood memories of helping my parents in the kitchen as they carefully prepared all the ingredients.
• The aroma of the dish cooking on the stove would fill our home, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.
• The flavours of this dish are deeply connected to our family traditions and taste preferences.
• Every time I eat this dish, I return to those cherished moments spent with my loved ones.

Recipe

Ingredients

To make this authentic Chinese braised spare ribs recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Spare ribs
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Shaoxing rice wine
• Scallions
• Ginger
• Garlic

Instructions

Cutting Spare Ribs

To prepare the spare ribs for cooking, follow these steps:

1. Trim any excess fat from the spare ribs.

Boiling Ribs

To remove scum from the ribs, follow these steps:

1. Place the spare ribs in a pot of boiling water.
2. Let the ribs boil for a few minutes.
3. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.

Melting Brown Sugar

To melt the brown sugar for the sauce, follow these steps:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the brown sugar to the pan.
3. Stir the sugar until it caramelizes and melts.

Adding Ribs to Wok

To incorporate the spare ribs into the wok, follow these steps:

1. Heat a wok over high heat.
2. Add the spare ribs to the hot wok.
3. Sear the ribs until they are browned on all sides.

Adding Sauces and Aromatics

To enhance the flavour of the dish, add sauces and aromatics:

1. Add soy sauce and Shaoxing rice wine to the wok.
2. Toss in sliced scallions, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
3. Stir-fry everything together to infuse the flavours.

Simmering Ribs

To tenderize the ribs, follow these steps:

1. Reduce the heat to low and cover the wok.
2. Let the spare ribs simmer for about an hour or until tender.

Thickening the Sauce

To achieve the desired consistency for the sauce, follow these steps:

1. Remove the spare ribs from the wok.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high.
3. Let the sauce simmer and reduce until it thickens.

Serving and Garnishing

To serve the braised spare ribs, follow these suggestions:

1. Arrange the spare ribs on a serving platter.
2. Garnish with sliced scallions or sesame seeds.
3. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook Chinese Braised Spare Ribs? 

Cooking Chinese Braised Spare Ribs takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Can I substitute Zhenjiang vinegar with another type of vinegar? 

You can substitute Zhenjiang vinegar with black rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar.

What side dishes pair well with Chinese Braised Spare Ribs? 

Some side dishes that pair well with Chinese Braised Spare Ribs are steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and pickled cucumbers.

Are spare ribs the same as baby back ribs? 

No, spare ribs and baby back ribs are different cuts of meat. Spare ribs come from the lower portion of the ribs, while baby back ribs come from the upper portion.

Can I prepare Chinese Braised Spare Ribs in advance? 

Yes, you can prepare Chinese Braised Spare Ribs in advance. Store the cooked ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them before serving.