🍽️ How to Make Suanxiang Paigu (Garlic Pork Ribs)

🧆 Ingredients

• 400g pork ribs
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 thumb ginger (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon cooking wine
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

🍳 Steps

1. Prepare and Clean the Ribs: Rinse the pork ribs under cold running water to remove any bone fragments and impurities. For best results, soak the ribs in clean water for 10–15 minutes, then drain and pat dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a clean taste and removes excess blood.

2. Marinate the Ribs: In a large bowl, combine the ribs with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, cooking wine, cornstarch, minced garlic, sliced ginger, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat each rib evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Prepare Aromatics: While the ribs marinate, finely mince the garlic and slice the ginger. Chop the green onions and set aside for garnish.

4. Fry the Ribs: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (test by dipping a wooden chopstick—bubbles should form), add the marinated ribs in a single layer. Fry, turning occasionally, until the ribs are golden brown and fragrant, about 5–8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.

5. Simmer: Add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to the pan. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ribs are tender and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a bit more water as needed. The ribs are done when a fork easily pierces the meat and the sauce clings to the ribs.

6. Check Doneness: The ribs should be tender but not falling apart. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt or sugar to balance the flavors.

7. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high to reduce the sauce further if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot, ideally with steamed rice.

Additional Tips:

• Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
• For extra tenderness, marinate the ribs overnight.
• Skim off any excess oil before serving if desired.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

💡 Tips

• Use plenty of garlic for robust flavor.
• Simmer gently for tender ribs.
• Adjust sugar for sweetness preference.
• Serve immediately for best taste.