Sweet and Sticky Asian Ribs

Sweet and Sticky Asian Ribs

We often eat ribs when having a BBQ. Nicely roasted and has lots of flavors. Like these Honey Bourbon ribs or Sweet spare ribs with BBQ sauce. But what if it's winter?

Then you choose these sticky pork ribs from now on. Because they are that tasty. Based on a recipe from Gordon Ramsay (the man who makes a lot of noise but can cook so well), you can prepare these ribs with delicious sauce in under an hour. It's a very easy recipe. The flavorful sauce with Asian spices is delicious.

Not only are the ribs so tender that the meat falls off the bones (for me, the only way to make spare ribs right), but the gooey sweet sauce that coats the sticky ribs is SO delicious! You love these Asian-style ribs. So this is my recipe for making spareribs when I can't use the BBQ!

TIP - Cut the ribs into smaller pieces and then prepare them. Serve them on a plate with a bowl of sweet chili sauce, and you have a delicious snack with an Asian twist!

What do you need for Sticky Garlic Honey Spare Ribs with Asian flavors?

To prepare these Sweet and sticky Asian ribs, you need the following ingredients. You can find the correct amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the blog:

• Spare ribs - aka pork ribs. It is the middle part of the ribs. And to prepare, you to simmer this meat in a marinade. Because the preparation is longer, it absorbs the flavors from the marinade.
• Garlic, Ginger - The basic flavors of the sticky ribs.
• Chili flakes - For a bit of spice in the sauce.
• Szechuan pepper - Szechuan pepper is used in part of Asian cuisine. It is not a real pepper, but has a slight lemon flavor. It is not very spicy, but you get a slight tingling sensation when you eat it. You'll find it at an Asian Supermarket.
• Star anise - Is a warming herb with a light licorice taste. It resembles aniseed, but is stronger in flavor and has a bit of pit. You do not eat star anise, but remove it before serving.
• Honey and brown sugar - To sweeten the marinade. Brown sugar adds a caramel flavor.
• Soy sauce - Use light or dark soy sauce.
• Rice Vinegar - In addition to adding a light acidity, which gives you a sweet and sour marinade. But also acid, in this case, the vinegar, makes the meat more tender, which results in tender ribs.
• Mirin - Sweet Japanese cooking wine. Mirin is much sweeter than Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing). Add two teaspoons of extra brown sugar if you're using the latter as a Mirin substitute.
• Beef stock - Gives the marinade extra flavor. Make it from a cube or use a homemade beef stock.
• Tomato ketchup - gives a pleasant sweet taste and is a little deeper through the tomato.
• Spring Onion - (Green Onions / Scallions) Gives a fresh taste to the sticky ribs with a bit of spice.

How to prepare Sticky Asian-Inspired Ribs

You can find a printable recipe with a step-by-step description at the bottom of this blog.

1. Bake the ribs in a heatproof roasting pan over high heat for 10 minutes, occasionally turning, until golden brown.
2. Divide garlic, ginger, chili, Sichuan pepper, star anise, and honey over the roasting tray and cook for 2 minutes over high heat. By frying for a while, the flavors of the herbs are released, and everything becomes extra tasty.
3. Pour soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Mirin into the roasting pan and add the rice vinegar. Bring to a boil. Add the ketchup, scallion, and stock and mix.
4. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C) until the ribs are tender. Remove the ribs from the sauce and cover them with aluminum foil. Reduce the sauce until it becomes syrupy. Remove the star anise. Return the ribs to the sticky sauce, ensuring they are completely coated. Sprinkle green onions on top and serve!

To serve: This recipe is delicious with fresh fries and a cucumber salad!
Garnish: add some green onions and (entirely optional) sesame seeds.