Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of flavor as we delve into the world of Sweet & Sour Pork Spare Ribs. This classic dish combines succulent pork spare ribs with a mouthwatering sweet and tangy sauce that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of tender meat and savory-sweet sauce. Join us as we explore the ingredients, techniques, and variations that make this dish a standout favorite on any dining table.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork spare ribs, cut into individual ribs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, cut into squares (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep Ribs: Season the pork spare ribs with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Brown Ribs: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned ribs on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the white vinegar, water, sugar, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.
- Simmer: Pour the sauce mixture over the browned spare ribs in the skillet. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the ribs simmer gently in the sauce for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and ribs, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Sweet & Sour Pork Spare Ribs with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes:
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the spare ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a few hours before cooking.
- Be sure to brown the ribs well before adding the sauce to enhance the depth of flavor in the dish.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of sugar and vinegar according to your taste preferences.
Variations:
- Pineapple Twist: Add pineapple chunks or pineapple juice to the sauce for a tropical flavor boost.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy variation.
- Asian Fusion: Experiment with different seasonings such as five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, or rice vinegar for an Asian-inspired twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the sugar in the sauce with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Use low-carb ketchup or tomato paste instead of traditional ketchup to reduce the carbohydrate content.
- Low-Carb Option: Omit the sugar entirely or use a minimal amount of a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Increase the amount of vegetables such as bell peppers and onions to add bulk and flavor without adding extra carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use other cuts of pork such as pork shoulder or pork loin for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the meat.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This dish actually tastes better when made ahead of time as the flavors have time to meld together. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Sweet & Sour Pork Spare Ribs for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of our Sweet & Sour Pork Spare Ribs, a dish that marries the richness of pork with the sweet and tangy allure of its signature sauce. Whether enjoyed as a hearty weeknight meal or a special occasion centerpiece, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure with our Sweet & Sour Pork Spare Ribs. Let each bite transport you to a world of savory-sweet bliss as you savor the comforting goodness of this classic dish!
