Chinese Spare Ribs

Chinese spare ribs are a mouthwatering treat, perfect for any grilling occasion. Known for their tender meat and rich, savory flavors, these ribs are often marinated in a unique blend of sauces and spices that give them an irresistible taste. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of grilling Chinese spare ribs, introduce you to the famous Ah-So sauce, and share some key ingredients that will elevate your grilling experience.

What Are Chinese Spare Ribs?

Chinese spare ribs are typically made from pork and are known for their meaty texture and flavor. Unlike Western-style ribs, which are often smoked or slow-cooked, Chinese spare ribs are usually marinated and grilled, giving them a slightly charred exterior and juicy interior.

Grilled Chinese Spare Ribs

What is Ah-So Sauce?

Ah-So sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its distinctive red color and sweet, tangy flavor. Made with a combination of ingredients like garlic, sugar, and soybean paste, this sauce adds a delicious glaze to meats, making it a perfect match for spare ribs. The sauce is versatile and can be used as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.

The sauce is commonly used as a glaze or marinade for meats, particularly pork spare ribs, chicken, and beef. Its sweet and tangy taste complements the richness of these meats, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating when cooked. Ah-So sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce, adding a delightful contrast to fried foods or appetizers like spring rolls.

Whether you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your barbecue or want to create a quick and tasty meal, Ah-So sauce offers a convenient and delicious option.

Key Ingredients

To achieve the authentic taste of Chinese spare ribs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Soy Sauce: A staple in Asian cooking, soy sauce provides a salty, umami flavor that is essential for marinating the ribs.
2. Ah-So Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce gives the ribs their signature taste and glossy finish.
3. Star Anise Powder: Star anise has a distinct, sweet licorice-like flavor with warm, aromatic notes that are both spicy and slightly floral.
4. Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is known for its rich, nutty flavor, which adds a deep, toasty warmth to dishes.

Chinese Spare Ribs on the Grill

How to Grill Chinese Spare Ribs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Ah-So sauce, anise powder, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Marinate the Ribs: Take the slab of spare ribs and slice them between the bones. You want each rib to be covered in marinade. Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
3. Preheat the Grill: When ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium low heat. Set up a two-zone heat for direct grilling and indirect grilling.
4. Wrap the Ribs: Wrap the ribs in tin foil and place the foil pack on indirect heat grill section. Slow grill the ribs on 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 1/2 hours.

Ribs in foil on the grill

      5. Grill the Ribs on direct heat: Remove the ribs from the foil pack. Place the ribs on the grill over direct heat and grill for another 1/2 hour. With a good pair of tongs, rotate the ribs every ten minutes to give some nice Sear Marks.  Baste the ribs with the remaining marinade every 30 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.

      6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve  the Chinese Spare Ribs with additional Ah-So sauce on the side.

Grilled Pork Ribs with Ah So Sauce

Tips for Perfect Chinese Spare Ribs

• Choose Quality Meat: For the best results, select fresh, high-quality pork ribs. Look for ribs with a good amount of meat and a nice layer of fat.
• Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the ribs, the more flavorful they will be. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
• Have a clean grill: No one wants to eat ribs that were grilled on dirty grill grates.
• Control the Heat: Grilling ribs over indirect heat helps prevent them from drying out or burning. This is a slow process. Don’t grill ribs quickly! You won’t like the results.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grilled Pork Rib with Ah So Sauce

Final Thoughts

Grilling Chinese spare ribs with Ah-So sauce is a fantastic way to bring bold, Asian-inspired flavors to your backyard barbecue. The combination of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and the unique Ah-So sauce creates a tantalizing glaze that will impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, this recipe is a delicious addition to your repertoire. So fire up the grill, and enjoy the succulent taste of Chinese spare ribs!

Print Recipe

Chinese Spare Ribs

By Drew – Serves: 4

Prep Time: 4 hours – Cooking Time: 3 hours

Discover the secrets to making authentic Chinese spare ribs with Ah-So sauce. Our detailed recipe includes marinating tips, grilling techniques, and the unique flavors of soy sauce and five-spice powder. Perfect for your next barbecue!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork spare ribs
• Marinade
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
• 1 cup Ah-So Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Star Anise Powder
• 1/8 cup Sesame Oil

Instructions

1

Slice Ribs between the bone.

2

Mix all marinade ingredients. Save an 1/8 of a cup and put to the side.

3

Place all ingredients in a zip lock bag.

4

Grill should be 250 F

5

Place ribs in a foil pack and place pack on indirect heat on the grill.

6

Grill with lid down for 1 hour.

7

Rotate the ribs 180 degrees so the other side of the ribs are now closer to the grill flame.

8

Continue to grill 1 1/2 hours.

9

Remove ribs from foil pack and grill over direct medium high heat for an additional half hour.

10

Baste ribs with unused Ah Ho Sauce marinade.

11

Ribs should reach an internal temp of 190 degree F

12

Serve

Notes

Make sure you start with a clean grill. Slow and Low is the best way to grill pork ribs.However, finish on medium high heat after taken out of the foil pack.