Chinese-style Barbecue Ribs

Ingredients

While American barbecue ribs are typically slow-cooked and smoky, Chinese-style barbecue ribs are known for their sweet and sticky glaze. This adaptation infuses the ribs with traditional Chinese flavors, such as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, giving them a unique and irresistible taste. We alse have the original recipe for Barbecue Ribs, so you can check it out.

• 2 racks of pork ribs (about 2 kg / 4.4 lbs) 2 racks of pork ribs (about 2 kg / 4.4 lbs)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) hoisin sauce 1/2 cup (120 ml) hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish) Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 15g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, rice wine or sherry, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, ground ginger, white pepper, and salt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Place the racks of ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
4. 4.
   Brush the ribs generously with the hoisin glaze, reserving some for basting later.
5. 5.
   Cover the ribs with another sheet of aluminum foil and seal the edges to create a packet.
6. 6.
   Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until tender.
7. 7.
   Remove the top layer of foil and brush the ribs with the reserved hoisin glaze.
8. 8.
   Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
9. 9.
   Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Cut the ribs into individual portions and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
11. 11.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Hoisin sauce — Look for a high-quality hoisin sauce with natural ingredients for the best flavor.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you can't find it, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra tenderness, marinate the ribs in the hoisin glaze overnight before baking.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
• To achieve a smoky flavor, you can finish the ribs on a grill instead of baking them in the oven.
• Serve the ribs with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete Chinese meal.
• Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or on the grill.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style Barbecue Ribs as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an attractive presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the ribs on a platter, drizzle any remaining glaze over them, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with chopsticks or forks for easy enjoyment.