Craving a flavor explosion that's both savory and addictive? Look no further than these irresistible Fried Ribs with Garlic Fish Sauce! This Vietnamese-inspired recipe elevates humble pork ribs to a culinary masterpiece, transforming them into crispy, succulent delights coated in a fragrant, umami-rich sauce. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, perfectly caramelized and infused with the pungent aroma of garlic and the salty tang of fish sauce – a truly unforgettable combination. This recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for home cooks.
The secret lies in a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, achieving that perfect harmony that defines authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Get ready to experience a symphony of tastes as the rich, garlicky fish sauce clings to each rib, creating a textural masterpiece of crispy exterior and tender interior. Ready to dive into the delicious details? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to making these incredible Fried Ribs with Garlic Fish Sauce!
Tools Needed
- knife
- frying pan
- sieve
- bowl
- container
- bamboo skewers or tattoo stick
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ribs and Garlic
- Fry the sliced garlic until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes), then add minced garlic and fry until golden. Remove and drain.
- Wash ribs thoroughly 5-6 times. Mix ribs with cornstarch and salt.
- Soak ribs in the cornstarch and salt mixture for 15-20 minutes. Drain and wash again.
- Using a bamboo skewer or tattoo stick, pierce the ribs multiple times to tenderize and allow better spice absorption.
Step 2. Marinate and Fry the Ribs
- Marinate ribs with fish sauce, sugar, salt (1g), satay (20g), seasoning (10g), honey (20g), and a small slice of lemon for about 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Coat the marinated ribs with an additional layer of cornstarch.
- Fry ribs over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Increase heat for 5-10 seconds before removing to drain oil.
Step 3. Make the Crispy Garlic Fish Sauce
- In a separate pan, combine fish sauce, sugar, chili sauce, fried garlic oil, and honey. Stir well to dissolve.
- Add the fried ribs and quail eggs to the sauce, stirring gently for 5-7 minutes to coat evenly.
- Stir until the sauce thickens. Garnish with fried garlic.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Vietnamese Grilled Pork: A Delicious BBQ Recipe
Tips
- Washing minced garlic before frying prevents bitterness.
- Using cornstarch (instead of tapioca starch or wheat flour) removes fishy smells and keeps ribs juicy and soft.
- Piercing the ribs tenderizes them and allows for better spice absorption.
- Don't fry ribs over low heat; it will dry them out.
- Increase heat slightly before removing ribs to help them crisp and drain excess oil.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of pork instead of ribs?
While ribs are ideal for their flavor and texture, you can experiment with pork shoulder or even pork belly. Just adjust cooking time accordingly; tougher cuts will require longer cooking.
2. What kind of fish sauce should I use?
Use a good quality fish sauce with a strong, savory flavor. Red Boat or Three Crabs are popular choices.
3. How can I make the ribs extra crispy?
Ensure the ribs are completely dry before frying. A higher cooking temperature and a little extra time in the pan will help achieve maximum crispiness. You can also broil them briefly after frying for extra crispness.
These Crispy Garlic Fish Sauce Ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in every bite. From the satisfying crunch to the tender meat, this recipe is a testament to the magic of Vietnamese cuisine. So gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more!