Peking Ribs, inspired by the traditional Peking Duck, offer a delightful twist on classic barbecue ribs. This dish features tender, juicy pork ribs coated in a flavorful glaze, creating a rich and savory experience with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a special dinner or a festive gathering, Peking Ribs are a crowd-pleaser that showcases the fusion of Chinese and Western flavors.
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds (900 grams) pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Peking Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness. Rub the ribs with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Bake the Ribs: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Cover with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and almost falling off the bone.
Make the Peking Sauce: While the ribs are baking, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat.
Glaze the Ribs: After baking, remove the ribs from the oven and discard the foil. Brush the ribs generously with the Peking sauce. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake the ribs, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes and becomes sticky.
Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips
- Marination: For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in a portion of the Peking sauce overnight before baking.
- Grilling Option: After glazing the ribs, you can finish them on a grill for a smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the ribs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
Variations
- Spicy Peking Ribs: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the pork ribs with seitan or a similar meat alternative, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Calories
One serving of Peking Ribs (approximately 1/2 pound or 225 grams) contains about 500-600 calories, depending on the amount of sauce used and the exact portion size. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of sauce or use less honey and sugar.
Conclusion
Peking Ribs combine the best of both worlds with their succulent, sweet, and savory glaze. This dish is a fantastic way to elevate your rib game and impress your guests with a unique and flavorful recipe. Whether you're preparing them for a holiday feast or a casual get-together, these ribs are sure to be a hit.
