Rich, warming Chinese five spice and savory-sweet hoisin sauce sauce gives nuanced complexity to these quick-cook short ribs, inspired by traditional Chinese-style barbecue. The characteristic red hue comes from food coloring, which you can add to the marinade if you'd like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
Updated Jul. 24, 2024
Get ready to savor the flavors of our Chinese boneless spare ribs! These tender ribs are marinated and baked for a perfect blend of savory and sweet, creating a comforting, delicious meal for family dinners or gatherings with guests.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish will become a new favorite around your table. It offers a taste of classic Chinese take-out dishes with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a rich, salty flavor that forms the base of the marinade. It’s essential for achieving the umami depth characteristic of Chinese cuisine.
- Hoisin sauce: This sauce provides sweetness and depth with its soybeans, garlic and spice blend. It adds a unique complexity that makes the ribs irresistibly tasty.
- Dry red wine: Red wine enhances the complexity of flavors with a subtle acidity. It tenderizes the meat while adding a sophisticated note to the marinade.
- Sugar: Sugar balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness. It also helps caramelize the ribs during cooking, giving them a lovely glaze. Honey works as an option, adding sweetness with a perfect glaze.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the marinade with a robust and aromatic taste.
- Chinese five-spice powder: A blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns and fennel seeds, this spice mix delivers an authentic flavor to the dish.
- Red food coloring (optional): This will give the ribs their characteristic red color, reminiscent of restaurant-style Chinese spare ribs. It’s purely for visual appeal and can be omitted without affecting the taste.
- Boneless pork shoulder butt or boneless pork loin: Chinese restaurants tend to use boneless pork butt (from the shoulder of the pig), but these cuts are ideal for Chinese boneless ribs for their tenderness and flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, red wine, sugar, garlic and Chinese five-spice powder. If you want the traditional vibrant red color, add a couple drops of red food coloring. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade in a covered container and refrigerate.
Step 2: Marinate the pork
Place the pork strips in a large shallow dish, and pour the rest of the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight. An extended marination time will allow the flavors to fully meld.
Step 3: Bake the ribs
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Drain and discard the marinade from the pork, then arrange the marinated pork strips on a greased wire rack over a foil-lined rimmed sheet tray. Bake for 30 minutes, turning once midway through. Brush the ribs with the reserved marinade.
Step 4: Broil for a finishing touch
Move the baking sheet to the broiler, positioning it 4 to 6 inches from the unit. Broil for two to three minutes, until the edges of the ribs are lightly browned.
Variations for Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
- Make it wing night: Marinate and bake chicken wings using the same marinade, for a tasty appetizer or snack.
- Change up your protein: Pork country ribs are a great option that offers a slightly different texture but retains the delicious flavor. This variation is perfect for a meatier bite.
- Swap your sauces: Change up your marinade! Mix honey into your marinade for a sweeter honey soy glaze, or add 1 tablespoon of crushed chili flakes or sriracha if you enjoy a bit of heat.
How to Store Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
Any leftover ribs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days.
Can you freeze Chinese boneless spare ribs?
Yes, you can freeze these ribs. Place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag, and freeze them for up to two months.
How do you reheat Chinese boneless spare ribs?
To reheat, place the ribs on a sheet tray in a 350° oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until heated.
Chinese Boneless Spare Rib Tips
Why are Chinese boneless spare ribs red?
Chinese boneless spare ribs are red due to the addition of red food coloring in the marinade.
What is spare rib sauce?
Spare rib sauce is typically a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce and other spices that provide the ribs with signature flavor.
What can I serve with Chinese boneless spare ribs?
Pair the ribs with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables like garlicky broccoli or a salad, for a complete meal.
Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Yield
6 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/8 teaspoon red food coloring, optional
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder butt or boneless pork loin, cut into 3-inch strips
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients; if desired, add food coloring. Reserve 1/4 cup in a covered container in the refrigerator. In a large shallow dish, combine pork and remaining marinade. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400°. Drain and discard marinade. Arrange pork on a greased wire rack over a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes, turning once. Brush with reserved marinade. Broil 4-6 inches from the heat until edges are lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
3 ounces cooked pork: 204 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
Rich, warming five-spice and savory-sweet hoisin sauce give nuanced complexity to these quick-cook short ribs, inspired by traditional Chinese-style barbecue. The characteristic red hue comes from food coloring, which you can add to the marinade if you'd like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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