The braised pork ribs are characterized by their tender and succulent meat, which is rich but not greasy. The secret to its deliciousness lies in caramelizing the sugar and the slow stewing process. Additionally, the combination of various seasonings plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor. When consuming braised pork ribs, they can be paired with rice or noodles to achieve the best texture and taste. Now, let’s begin the journey of making this dish!
Ingredients for Braised Pork Ribs
| Pork ribs | 500g |
| Ginger | 8g |
| Cooking wine | 20g |
| Rock sugar | 6g |
| Light soy sauce | 10g |
| Dark soy sauce | 7g |
| Cinnamon bark | 5g |
| Star anise | 4g |
| Fragrant leaves | 7g |
| Scallion | 8g |
| Salt | 15g |
Steps:
1.Firstly, select fresh pork ribs. It’s best to choose ribs with a good balance of fat and lean meat for the best texture. Clean the ribs thoroughly and cut them into uniform pieces. Prepare ginger, cooking wine, rock sugar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaves, and scallions as seasonings and ingredients.
2.Place the ribs in a pot and add enough cold water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Add some ginger slices and cooking wine to remove any unpleasant odor from the ribs. Once the water boils, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Use a spoon to remove any impurities and scum that rise to the surface. Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside. This step aims to remove any blood or impurities from the ribs, resulting in a cleaner end dish.
3.In another pot, add some oil and rock sugar. Stir-fry the rock sugar over low heat until it melts and turns red. Quickly add the ribs and stir-fry, ensuring the ribs are evenly coated with the caramelized sugar. The purpose of this step is to use the caramelization technique to give the ribs a nice color and enhance their visual appeal.
4.Add cooking wine, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce to the stir-fried ribs. Stir-fry until well combined. These sauces will infuse the ribs with flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish. Then, add cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaves, and scallions for additional aroma and flavor. Finally, add a moderate amount of salt for seasoning and stir-fry briefly. Add enough water to cover the ribs. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the ribs become tender and flavorful.
5.Once the ribs are tender and flavorful, increase the heat to high to reduce the sauce. Allow the impurities and excess water in the sauce to evaporate, leaving a rich and thick glaze. When the sauce becomes thickened, turn off the heat. Transfer the braised pork ribs to a serving plate and garnish with chopped scallions for decoration. At this moment, a tantalizing aroma will fill the air, making your mouth water in anticipation.
Tips
1.Choose pork ribs with a good balance of fat and lean meat for a rich and chewy texture. If you prefer a more flavorful taste, you can also use ribs with connective tissues like pork trotters or hocks.
2.Opt for slow stewing over low heat during the cooking process to allow the ribs to fully absorb the flavors of the seasonings. This will result in tender and melt-in-your-mouth meat. It typically takes about 1-2 hours of simmering until the ribs become soft and the sauce thickens.
3.For added aroma, you can include spices such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, or dried citrus peel (chenpi). Adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes can also make the braised pork ribs more varied and nutritious.
Braised pork ribs, as a classic Chinese dish, not only have excellent appearance, aroma, and taste but are also rich in nutrients. By understanding and mastering the cooking method, you can easily prepare this delicacy at home. Whether it is for family gatherings or dining with friends, braised pork ribs are an irresistible delicacy that should not be missed.