Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these tender, fall-off-the-bone Oriental Spare Ribs! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal. Forget takeout – this recipe delivers authentic flavors with minimal fuss, making it a go-to addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork spare ribs, separated into individual ribs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the spare ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce adhere better.
Step 2: Making the Delicious Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). This creates the vibrant and flavorful sauce that will coat your ribs.
Step 3: Coating and Baking
Place the ribs in a baking dish and pour the sauce evenly over them, ensuring each rib is generously coated. Use tongs or your hands to make sure the sauce gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and the sauce is caramelized and bubbly. You can check for doneness by easily piercing a rib with a fork. If the meat pulls away easily, they are ready!
Step 5: Serving Your Masterpiece
Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor. Serve these delicious ribs on their own, or alongside your favorite sides for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra tender ribs: Consider simmering the ribs in water or broth for 30 minutes before baking. This pre-cooking step helps break down the collagen and results in incredibly tender meat.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Sweet and savory balance: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey and brown sugar slightly. Conversely, for a sweeter glaze, increase the amount of honey.
- Grill it: For a smoky flavor, grill the ribs after marinating them in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Slow Cooker Option: Place the ribs and sauce in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. This is an estimate for one serving of four:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Oriental Spare Ribs recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes that are perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the tender texture of the ribs, makes this a truly unforgettable dish. Enjoy!