Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe for Salty Braised Ribs delivers just that. Forget tough, dry ribs; this method uses a simple yet powerful braising technique to create incredibly succulent and flavorful results. We'll achieve deep, savory notes using readily available ingredients, transforming humble ribs into a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. The perfect balance of salt and richness will have you licking your fingers clean.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Beyond the incredible taste, the slow braising process makes minimal effort required from you. Ready to experience the magic of perfectly braised ribs? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create your own unforgettable Salty Braised Ribs.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Pan
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Chopsticks
Ingredients
- Spicy Ribs: 700g
- Purple Onion: 1 large
- Garlic: 35g
- Shallots: 35g
- Fish Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Seasoning Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon (for caramelization)
- Sesame Oil: 1/4 tablespoon
- Honey: 1/2 tablespoon
- Ground Pepper: 1/4 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 tablespoon
- Cooking Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Coconut Water: 200ml
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Chili Peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ribs and Aromatics
- Crush one large purple onion. This will be used to blanch the ribs.
- Boil water in a pot with the crushed onion and 1/2 tablespoon of salt. This helps remove fishy smell and clean the meat.
- Blanch the ribs briefly in the boiling water, then rinse with cold water.
- Finely chop 35g of garlic and shallots.
- Divide the garlic and shallots in half. Marinate half with the ribs, and fry the other half until fragrant.
- Marinate the ribs with 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon seasoning powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 tablespoon sesame oil, 1/2 tablespoon honey, and 1/4 tablespoon ground pepper. Marinate for about 15 minutes.
Step 2. Create the Flavor Base and Braise
- Caramelize 1 tablespoon of sugar in a pan with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil until golden brown.
- Add the fried garlic and shallots to the caramelized sugar.
- Add the marinated ribs to the pan and stir until evenly coated with the caramel.
- Add 200ml of coconut water (or filtered water). Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, turning the ribs occasionally.
- Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 3. Finishing Touches
- Prepare cucumbers and tomatoes for serving.
- Garnish with sliced onions and chili peppers (optional, soak in water to curl).
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Choose ribs with more meat than fat if you prefer less fat.
- Using oil instead of water when caramelizing sugar gives a more fragrant result.
- If you have ready-made caramel, you can skip the caramelization step and add it directly to the ribs.
- Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired level of dryness for the sauce.
- Add more chili peppers during marination if you like spicier food.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of pork instead of ribs?
While ribs are ideal for braising, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even a pork butt. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as tougher cuts will require longer braising.
2. How can I make the ribs even more flavorful?
Experiment with adding aromatics like star anise, cloves, or a bay leaf to the braising liquid for a more complex flavor profile. You can also use different types of salt, such as smoked salt, for a deeper smoky taste.
These salty braised ribs are a testament to the power of simple cooking techniques yielding extraordinary results. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the tender, flavorful perfection of your homemade salty braised ribs!