Savory Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs Recipe to Savor

Name: Savory Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs Recipe to Savor
Prep time: 14 h 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 15 h
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 pounds Boneless Pork Butt (Can substitute with boneless country ribs if desired.); 4 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh for best flavor.); 1 cup Sugar (Brown sugar can be used for richer flavor.); 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (Kosher salt is a suitable alternative.); 2 teaspoons Five Spice Powder (Fragrant blend to enhance flavor.); 1 teaspoon Ground White Pepper (Black pepper can be used as a replacement.); 1/4 cup Shaoxing Wine (Can substitute with rice wine or dry sherry.); 1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce (Essential for sweetness and richness.); 2 tablespoons Ground Bean Sauce (Soy sauce may serve as a substitute.); 1/4 cup Ketchup (No alternatives needed.); 1/4 cup Pineapple Juice (Apple sauce or crushed pineapple can be alternatives.); 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (Any cooking oil can replace this if necessary.); 1 teaspoon Red Food Coloring (Optional for color.); 1/2 cup Maltose or Honey (Used for glazing; heavy syrup is an alternative.)

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

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Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs are a delightful dish that brings the comforting essence of homemade Chinese cuisine right to your table. This savory-sweet recipe is not only easy to prepare but also guarantees tender, juicy flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to impress your family, these ribs are the perfect choice. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

There are countless reasons to adore this recipe for Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs. For starters, the sweet and savory flavor profile is simply irresistible. The combination of ingredients such as hoisin sauce and Shaoxing wine creates a rich taste that pairs well with various side dishes. Plus, marinating overnight intensifies the flavor, ensuring each bite is bursting with deliciousness.

This dish is also incredibly versatile—whether you prefer it spicy or mild, you can easily adjust the seasoning. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated without losing its charm. Finally, knowing how to cook Chinese boneless spare ribs allows you to recreate a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients for Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Gather these items:

2 pounds Boneless Pork Butt (Can substitute with boneless country ribs if desired.)
4 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh for best flavor.)
1 cup Sugar (Brown sugar can be used for richer flavor.)
1 teaspoon Sea Salt (Kosher salt is a suitable alternative.)
2 teaspoons Five Spice Powder (Fragrant blend to enhance flavor.)
1 teaspoon Ground White Pepper (Black pepper can be used as a replacement.)
1/4 cup Shaoxing Wine (Can substitute with rice wine or dry sherry.)
1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce (Essential for sweetness and richness.)
2 tablespoons Ground Bean Sauce (Soy sauce may serve as a substitute.)
1/4 cup Ketchup (No alternatives needed.)
1/4 cup Pineapple Juice (Apple sauce or crushed pineapple can be alternatives.)
2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (Any cooking oil can replace this if necessary.)
1 teaspoon Red Food Coloring (Optional for color.)
1/2 cup Maltose or Honey (Used for glazing; heavy syrup is an alternative.)

How to Make Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs Step-by-Step

Step 1: Start by freezing the boneless pork butt until firm, roughly 1-2 hours. Once firm, slice it into ¾-inch thick slabs to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, sugar, sea salt, five spice powder, white pepper, Shaoxing wine, hoisin sauce, ground bean sauce, ketchup, pineapple juice, sesame oil, and optional red food coloring. Add the pork pieces, making sure they are thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate overnight (12-24 hours) in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
Step 3: About 2 hours before cooking, remove the pork from the fridge to bring it to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting.
Step 4: Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a cooling rack on top. Arrange the marinated pork slices on the rack with some space between them, and pour ½ cup of hot water into the tray to create steam.
Step 5: Bake the pork in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Afterward, carefully flip the slabs and bake for an additional 15 minutes, continuing to add more water to the tray as needed to prevent burning.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix maltose (or honey) with 2 teaspoons of hot water to create a glaze. Brush it generously on both sides of the ribs. For added texture, you can turn on the broiler for a few minutes for a beautifully charred effect, but keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Step 7: Once out of the oven, allow the ribs to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing them thinly. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender each bite.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Keep these in mind:

Let the meat marinate for at least 12 hours to maximize flavor.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are cooked thoroughly.
For a spicier variation, add chili paste or flakes to the marinade.
Consider using a slow cooker for an even more tender result.

Best Ways to Serve Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

These ribs shine when paired with fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice. You can also serve them with steamed broccoli or bok choy for a balanced meal. Another great option is to create a Chinese-style rib sandwich using soft buns, making for a flavorful lunch or dinner treat.

How to Store and Reheat Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

To store, place leftover ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method preserves the tenderness and flavor, making it almost as good as the first serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

What’s the secret to perfect Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs?

The key to perfect Chinese boneless spare ribs lies in the marination process. Using a mix of sweet and savory ingredients ensures the meat absorbs maximum flavor, resulting in tender and juicy ribs.

Can I make Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the ribs a day in advance. This not only enhances the flavor but also allows for easier meal prep, making your cooking process smoother on the day of serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs?

One common mistake is not allowing the meat to rest after cooking. Resting the ribs for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and flavorful.

Variations of Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs You Can Try

Experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like ginger for a spicy kick or using apple juice instead of pineapple for a sweeter taste. You can also try a slow cooker version for even more tender results, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights.

Savory Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs Recipe to Savor - Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs - additional detail

For more tips on cooking techniques, check out this guide. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit this article. You can also learn about different types of pork cuts that work well for this recipe.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia