Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these mouthwatering Chinese Style Country Ribs! Imagine tender, succulent pork infused with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and aromatic Asian-inspired flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of China. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor journey that promises to impress your family and leave your guests begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs country-style pork ribs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, five-spice powder, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until well blended.
- Place country-style pork ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove ribs from the marinade, reserving the liquid for basting.
- Place ribs in a large baking dish or roasting pan, arranging them in a single layer. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
- Bake the covered ribs for 2 hours, occasionally basting with the reserved marinade every 30 minutes to enhance flavor and keep the meat moist.
- After 2 hours, remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Baste ribs once more and continue cooking uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes to create a caramelized exterior.
- Remove ribs from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.
- Slice ribs and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Tips
- Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor penetration, let the ribs marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the marinade to deeply infuse the meat with its delicious essence.
- Low and Slow Cooking: The key to incredibly tender ribs is cooking them at a low temperature (325°F) for the first two hours. This method breaks down the tough connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- Basting is Crucial: Don't skip the basting step! Each time you baste the ribs, you're adding layers of flavor and keeping the meat incredibly moist.
- Caramelization is Your Friend: The final 20-30 minutes at a higher temperature (400°F) creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Resting Matters: Always let the ribs rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as juicy as possible.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider garnishing with toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions just before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
