How to Make Chinese-Style Pork Ribs with Hoisin Sauce: A Flavorful Recipe

Ingredients for Chinese-Style Pork Ribs

Before you start cooking your delicious Chinese-style pork ribs with hoisin sauce, let's gather the essential ingredients. This dish requires simple yet flavorful items that are staples in Chinese cuisine.

• 2-3 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that make Chinese-style pork ribs a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Chinese Pork Ribs with Hoisin Sauce

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the Chinese-style pork ribs with hoisin sauce. Follow these steps to make your ribs tender, flavorful, and absolutely mouthwatering!

1. Preparing the Ribs

Start by removing the membrane from the back of the pork ribs (this helps the ribs become more tender). Cut the ribs into manageable sections, typically between 2-3 ribs per piece, for easy serving.

2. Making the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced ginger, and black pepper. This marinade is what gives the ribs their signature sweet and savory flavor.

3. Marinating the Ribs

Place the pork ribs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—preferably overnight—for maximum flavor absorption.

4. Cooking the Ribs

You have two options for cooking your pork ribs: grilling or baking.

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the marinated ribs on the grill, bone-side down. Grill for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the ribs halfway through, until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 2.5-3 hours, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the ribs to caramelize and get a nice brown color.

5. Glazing the Ribs

Once your ribs are cooked, brush them with extra hoisin sauce for a final glaze. If you're grilling, you can apply the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking to give the ribs a shiny finish.

6. Serving the Ribs

Once the ribs are fully cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice the ribs into individual pieces, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot. The sticky, flavorful glaze is sure to impress your guests!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chinese Pork Ribs

To make sure your Chinese-style pork ribs with hoisin sauce turn out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

• Low and Slow: For extra tenderness, cook the ribs slowly at a lower temperature, especially when baking. This will help break down the tough fibers in the meat.
• Marinate Longer: The longer the ribs marinate, the more flavor they absorb. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight marinating is ideal for deeper flavor.
• Glaze Generously: Hoisin sauce is the key to the unique flavor of these ribs. Don’t hesitate to brush on a generous amount during the final stage of cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Chinese-Style Pork Ribs

Pair your Chinese-style pork ribs with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice complements the rich flavors of the ribs and helps balance the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of stir-fried bok choy, broccoli, and bell peppers adds a healthy, crunchy contrast to the tender ribs.
• Chinese Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar, sesame oil, and chili offers a cool contrast to the rich and savory ribs.

Where to Buy Hoisin Sauce for Pork Ribs

Hoisin sauce is essential for this recipe, and finding the best quality sauce can make a big difference. You can purchase authentic hoisin sauce from most grocery stores or specialty Asian markets. If you're looking for top-quality hoisin sauce, consider ordering online for convenience.

Want to get the best hoisin sauce for your pork ribs? Check out Chinese Food for a wide selection of premium sauces that will elevate your cooking experience.