How To Cut Spare Ribs Chinese Style

Chinese cuisine is known for its flavorful and tender spare ribs. With the right cutting technique, you can easily prepare this mouthwatering dish at home. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cutting spare ribs Chinese style, ensuring that you achieve the perfect cuts for an authentic Chinese dining experience.

What You’ll Need

A rack of spare ribs
A sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Plastic wrap or parchment paper

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Spare Ribs

Start by cleaning the spare ribs under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel. Ensure all excess moisture is removed for better grip and handling during the cutting process.

Step 2: Remove the Membrane

To make the spare ribs more tender and allow for better absorption of flavors, it’s important to remove the tough membrane on the bone side. Use a paper towel to firmly grip a corner of the membrane and peel it off the entire rack of ribs.

Step 3: Decide on the Cuts

Chinese-style spare ribs can be cut into various sizes, depending on your preference. You can choose between three popular options:

St. Louis Cut: This cut removes the tips of the ribs and square off the rack for a more consistent shape, making it easier to handle and cook.
English Cut: In this method, the rack is horizontally cut between each bone, resulting in shorter individual ribs.
Chinese Cut: This cut involves vertically slicing the rack parallel to the bones, creating riblets that are perfect for stir-frying or braising.

Step 4: Cut the Spare Ribs

For St. Louis Cut:

Place the rack bone side up on the cutting board.
Locate the end of the rack where the bones curve inwards to form a concave shape.
Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut straight through the rack just above this curve to remove the rib tips.
Next, cut straight through the middle of the rack to create two evenly-sized halves.
Finally, turn each half flesh side up and cut between the bones to separate them into individual ribs.

For English Cut:

Place the rack bone side up on the cutting board.
Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut straight through the rack between each bone to separate them into shorter individual ribs.

For Chinese Cut:

Place the rack bone side up on the cutting board.
Using a sharp chef’s knife, make vertical cuts parallel to the bones, creating riblets of your desired thickness.

After making your desired cuts, you can marinate, season, and cook the spare ribs according to your favorite Chinese recipes.

Conclusion

Learning how to cut spare ribs Chinese style allows you to elevate your culinary skills and enjoy the flavors of traditional Chinese cooking. With our step-by-step guide, you can confidently prepare spare ribs that are tender, flavorful, and truly authentic. So, grab your chef’s knife and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious Chinese delicacy!

Share your insights and tips on How To Cut Spare Ribs Chinese Style in the Cooking Techniques forum.

FAQ:

What are spare ribs?

Spare ribs are a popular cut of meat taken from the belly side of the pig’s rib cage. They are characterized by their rich, meaty flavor and a good amount of fat marbling, which makes them tender and succulent when cooked.

Are there different types of spare ribs?

Yes, there are different types of spare ribs, but when referring to “Chinese style” spare ribs, it typically means the St. Louis cut ribs. These ribs are trimmed down to a rectangular shape, removing the rib tips and excess cartilage. This cut is commonly used in Chinese cuisine for its even thickness and easy handling.

Is there a particular way to marinate spare ribs Chinese style?

Yes! Chinese-style spare ribs are typically marinated in a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey or sugar, ginger, garlic, and sometimes rice wine or hoisin sauce for additional flavor. The marinade is often allowed to penetrate the meat for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavor.

How do I cut spare ribs Chinese style?

To cut spare ribs Chinese style, first, lay the ribs bone-side up on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make a small incision in between each bone. Then, carefully separate the ribs by cutting along the incisions, making individual rib pieces. This technique allows for easy cooking and eating.

What is the best cooking method for Chinese-style spare ribs?

Chinese-style spare ribs are often cooked using a combination of baking and broiling. After marinating, the ribs are typically baked in the oven until tender and then broiled for a few minutes to achieve a caramelized glaze on the outside. This method ensures a succulent and flavorful result.

Can Chinese-style spare ribs be cooked on a grill?

Absolutely! Chinese-style spare ribs can also be cooked on a grill for a smoky flavor. After marinating, preheat the grill to medium heat and place the ribs bone-side down. Cook them for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are fully cooked and slightly charred.

Are Chinese-style spare ribs served with any particular side dishes?

Chinese-style spare ribs are often served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli. They also pair well with a side of pickled vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad. These side dishes complement the flavors of the ribs and provide a balanced meal.

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How To Cut Spare Ribs Chinese Style