Asian-Inspired Sweet & Sour Ribs

These tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs are coated in a rich, tangy-sweet glaze with hints of garlic, ginger, and soy. Perfect for an indulgent meal!

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Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

• 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
• 1 tbsp oil (for searing)

For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for umami)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribs:

1. Cut ribs into individual pieces.
2. Rub with salt, pepper, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
3. Pat dry and coat lightly with cornstarch.

2. Cook the Ribs:

• Oven Method:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat oil in a skillet and sear ribs on all sides until golden brown.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 1.5 hours until tender.
• Stovetop Method:
  1. Heat oil in a deep pan, add ribs, and sear until browned.
  2. Add ½ cup water, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour until tender.

3. Make the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the sauce to thicken.

4. Coat the Ribs:

1. Once the ribs are cooked, toss them in the hot sweet & sour sauce until fully coated.
2. Let simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

5. Serve & Garnish:

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

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🔥 Juicy, sticky, and full of bold Asian-inspired flavors, these ribs are perfect for any occasion!