Sticky Chinese Spareribs is a delectable dinner recipe that brings the rich, savory flavors of Chinese cuisine to your table. The magic of this dish lies in its marinade, a harmonious blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, dry sherry, ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder—that infuses the ribs with a deep, complex taste. Slow-cooked to perfection, these spareribs become tender and succulent, making them a delightful centerpiece for any meal.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork spareribs
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, dry sherry, minced ginger, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
   
2. Marinate the Ribs: Place the pork spareribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
   
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C).
   
4. Bake the Ribs: Arrange the marinated ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Cover the ribs with foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bones.
   
5. Glaze and Broil: Remove the foil covering and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Brush the ribs with additional hoisin sauce or the reserved marinade. Place the ribs back in the oven and broil for 5–7 minutes, or until they develop a sticky, caramelized glaze. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
   
6. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve warm alongside steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
   

Nutrients Facts

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 110 mg

Sticky Chinese Spareribs: A Flavorful Delight

Sticky Chinese spareribs offer a combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors that have made them a favorite in Chinese cuisine. These ribs are often served as an appetizer or a main dish, depending on the occasion, and are a staple in many Chinese restaurants around the world. They are characterized by their melt-in-your-mouth texture, tender meat, and a sticky glaze that coats every bite. Chinese spareribs are traditionally made using pork, but variations using other meats, such as beef or chicken, can also be found. The preparation typically involves marinating the meat in a mixture of savory and sweet ingredients, allowing the flavors to seep into the ribs for a more intense and rich taste. The marinade is usually composed of a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. These ingredients, when combined, create a flavor profile that is both aromatic and deeply satisfying.

The Origins and Popularity of Sticky Chinese Spareribs

Sticky Chinese spareribs are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of China. Pork ribs are a popular choice of meat due to their flavor and tenderness, which are enhanced through slow-cooking methods like braising or roasting. In China, ribs are often prepared in various ways, including braised, steamed, or fried. However, the sticky, sweet, and savory version that uses a glaze or marinade has gained the most recognition outside of China. The distinct flavor of sticky Chinese spareribs has made them a popular dish worldwide, particularly in Chinese-American and other Asian-influenced cuisines. Their appeal lies in the balance of sweet and salty flavors, as well as the sticky glaze that clings to the ribs, making them irresistible to anyone who enjoys bold flavors. The dish is commonly served in restaurants as an appetizer, but it can also make a hearty main course when paired with rice or stir-fried vegetables.

The Unique Flavor Profile of Sticky Chinese Spareribs

The flavor profile of sticky Chinese spareribs is a combination of several key elements. The hoisin sauce provides a sweet and tangy base, while soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Honey helps create the sticky texture and sweetens the dish, while dry sherry offers a subtle, slightly nutty flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic add brightness and warmth, enhancing the overall complexity of the ribs. Chinese five-spice powder, a key ingredient in this recipe, plays a critical role in bringing the distinctive flavors of Chinese cuisine to the dish. This spice blend typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. The result is a fragrant, aromatic mix that gives the spareribs their unique flavor. The sweetness of honey, the saltiness of soy sauce, and the complexity of the five-spice powder work together to create a dish that is both savory and rich, with just the right amount of sweetness.

The Tenderness of Sticky Chinese Spareribs

One of the most appealing aspects of sticky Chinese spareribs is their tenderness. When prepared correctly, the meat should be tender enough to pull away from the bone easily, making for a satisfying bite. This tenderness is achieved through slow cooking, which allows the collagen in the pork to break down and turn into gelatin, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Slow cooking methods, such as braising or baking, are often used to prepare the ribs. In this recipe, the ribs are marinated in a flavorful sauce and then baked at a low temperature for a few hours. This method allows the marinade to penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor while also tenderizing the ribs. After baking, the ribs are broiled for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce, creating the signature sticky glaze.

The Healthier Side of Sticky Chinese Spareribs

While sticky Chinese spareribs are undeniably delicious, they are often seen as a comfort food that can be high in calories and fat. However, there are ways to make the dish slightly healthier without sacrificing flavor. Another way to make sticky Chinese spareribs healthier is to reduce the amount of sugar in the marinade. In the following is the Healthier option:

• Use leaner cuts of pork (baby back ribs) for reduced fat.
• Substitute honey with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Reduce sugar and opt for low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier dish.

Serving Suggestions for Sticky Chinese Spareribs

• Perfect with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
• Ideal as finger food or a party appetizer with garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds.
• Can be paired with a side of vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for added freshness.

Conclusion: Why Sticky Chinese Spareribs Are a Must-Try

Sticky Chinese spareribs are a delicious and satisfying dish that offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer or a main course, these ribs are sure to impress anyone who loves bold, flavorful food. The tender, slow-cooked meat combined with the sticky glaze makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Not only do sticky Chinese spareribs deliver on taste, but they also provide an opportunity for creativity in the kitchen.