Tasty Spare Ribs: A Sweet and Sour Sensation

Pork ribs stir-fried in a sweet and sour sauce is a familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals. The dish’s savory flavor, combining a tangy sourness with a gentle sweetness, has captured the hearts of people of all ages.

Here is a recipe for delicious tender sweet and sour pork ribs that mothers can easily prepare at home, ensuring a more appealing family meal:

Ingredients:

– 500g pork ribs
– 2 tomatoes
– 1 onion
– 1 clove garlic
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 3 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
– Cooking oil
– Spices: salt, pepper, seasoning seed, MSG, soy sauce

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

– Pork ribs: Wash the ribs with diluted salt water to remove any unpleasant odor. Then, blanch them in boiling water to get rid of impurities and remaining dirt. Rinse the ribs with cold water and set them aside to drain.
– Tomatoes: Wash, and cut into wedges.
– Garlic and onion: Peel and mince.
– Spices: Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of vinegar (or lemon juice), and a small amount of tomato paste (if you prefer a richer flavor).

Step 2: Marinate the ribs

Marinate the ribs with a little salt, pepper, seasoning seed, and minced onion for about 15-20 minutes. This step ensures that the ribs absorb the flavors and become tender during cooking.

Step 3: Pan-fry the ribs

Place a pan over medium heat, add a little cooking oil, and wait for it to heat up. Fry the ribs until they turn golden brown. Use medium heat to prevent burning while maintaining a slight crispness on the outside and tenderness on the inside. After frying, remove the ribs and drain the excess oil.

Step 4: Make the sweet and sour sauce

Heat another pan over medium heat and add some cooking oil. Sauté the minced garlic and onion until fragrant. Then, add the tomatoes and cook until they become soft. Pour in the previously prepared sweet and sour mixture and stir continuously until the sauce boils and thickens. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or tapioca starch with water and stir it in.

Step 5: Stir-fry the ribs with the sweet and sour sauce

Add the pan-fried ribs to the sweet and sour sauce and toss to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and infused with the flavors. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your family’s taste, adding a little more sugar or lemon juice if you prefer a stronger sweet and sour flavor.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Once the ribs have absorbed the flavors and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and dish out the ribs. Garnish with chopped scallions, coriander, or fresh chili if desired. This sweet and sour pork rib dish tastes best when served hot with steamed white rice.

Tips for tender and delicious sweet and sour pork ribs

– Choose pork ribs with softer meat, fewer bones, and less fat. This ensures the dish is tender without being dry or overly greasy.
– Marinate the ribs well: This is the key to ensuring the ribs absorb the flavors and enhances the taste of the dish.
– Balance the sweet and sour sauce: The ratio of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and other spices should be just right, neither too sour nor too sweet. Adjust the proportions to your personal preference.

This sweet and sour pork rib recipe is not only easy to prepare but also extremely tasty with rice. With this recipe, you’re sure to create a delicious meal for your family. Give it a try and share your delicious creation with everyone!