Best Easy Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs Recipe

Meaty pork ribs are braised in a glossy sauce of Chinkiang vinegar and sugar until tender and caramelized. A beloved family dish across China, these ribs are equally at home at a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal
#chinese ribs #family dinner #braised pork #sweet and sour sauce
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork spare ribs 2 lbs
  • scallions 3 pieces
  • ginger 6 slices
  • cooking oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Chinkiang vinegar 1 4 tbsp
  • soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp
  • sugar 5 tbsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • water 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 24 g 24%
Protein 20 g 20%
Fat 22 g 55%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut pork spare ribs into 2-inch pieces; blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities, then drain and pat dry.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ginger slices and scallions, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add ribs and sear over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Adjust heat to avoid burning.

  4. 4

    Pour in Shaoxing wine, then add Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir well to coat the ribs evenly.

  5. 5

    Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and braise for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking liquid.

  6. 6

    Uncover and raise heat to medium-high. Reduce the sauce, tossing the ribs, until they are glossy and the sauce is thick and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

  7. 7

    Serve hot, garnished with additional sliced scallions if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The centerpiece of this dish is the pork spare ribs, which provide rich flavor and a tender, juicy texture after braising. Chinkiang vinegar also plays a crucial role, imparting the signature sweet-tart depth that defines authentic sweet and sour pork ribs.
Q. Which ingredient contributes the most to the dish's signature flavor?
Chinkiang vinegar is essential for the dish’s unmistakable sweet and tangy character, balanced by the caramelized sugar and savory soy sauce in the sauce.
Q. How should I control heat to avoid tough ribs or burnt sauce?
Begin by searing the ribs over medium-high heat to brown them. When braising, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and keep the pan covered to ensure tenderness. For the final glaze, increase the heat to medium-high and stir constantly to reduce the sauce without burning.
Q. How can I ensure the ribs remain tender and not dry?
Braising the ribs in liquid with a tight-fitting lid for at least 45 minutes at low simmer is key for tenderness. Always monitor the liquid and add a bit more water if needed to prevent drying out.
Q. What is the nutritional profile per serving?
Each 220g serving contains approximately 390 kcal, with 24g carbs (24%), 20g protein (20%), and 22g fat (55%)—providing a balanced profile of macronutrients for a main course.
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