Boneless Spare Ribs Recipe – American Chinese Special
Boneless spare ribs are a tender, flavorful dish combining succulent strips of pork marinated in a blend of soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Slow-cooked or baked, the ribs develop a mouthwatering caramelized glaze that balances sweet, savory, and smoky notes. Perfect as a main course with steamed rice or as an appetizer alongside asian-style veggies, this recipe delivers comfort and bold flavor without fuss. Whether you cook them in a skillet or bake in the oven, the result is juicy meat and irresistibly sticky edges.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time45 min
- Total Time55 min
Boneless Spare Ribs Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless pork spare ribs (cut into 1-2 inch strips)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are combined.
Marinate the Ribs:
Place the boneless spare ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Cook the Ribs:
Pan-Fry Method:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated ribs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the ribs from the skillet and set aside.
Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated ribs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the ribs are tender and caramelized.
Serve:
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy:
Serve the boneless spare ribs as a main dish with steamed rice, or as an appetizer or side dish to your favorite Asian-inspired meal.
Recipe notes:
Marinating Time: Allow at least 2 hours of marinating, or better yet overnight, for deeper flavor absorption and more tender meat.
Sweetness Level: Adjust brown sugar or hoisin sauce to achieve your preferred balance of sweet vs savory.
Spice Variation: Add chili flakes or sriracha if you like a spicy kick; otherwise, omit for milder flavor.
Cooking Method Tips: For crisp edges, pan-fry first then finish in the oven; flipping halfway helps even caramelization.
Serving & Storage: Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or veggies; leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
