Craving a dish that's both sweet and tangy, savory and satisfying? Look no further than these incredible Sweet and Sour Fried Ribs! This recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors, coating tender, juicy ribs in a vibrant, glossy sauce that's addictive from the first bite. Forget takeout – this recipe is surprisingly easy to master at home, yielding restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss. The secret lies in a perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce, infused with the umami depth of fish sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness. We use readily available ingredients, making this a perfect weeknight meal or impressive addition to your weekend spread.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times. This recipe provides a clear and simple guide to achieving perfectly tender ribs with a show-stopping sweet and sour sauce. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create these irresistible Sweet and Sour Fried Ribs together!
Tools Needed
- Air fryer OR Pan
- Bowl
- Pot
Ingredients
- Ribs
- Pepper
- Seasoning powder
- Salt
- MSG
- Flour: a little
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 spoonful
- Fish sauce: 1 spoonful
- Vinegar OR Lemon/Lime juice: 1 spoonful
- Garlic
- Chili
- Cooking oil: a little
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ribs
- Wash the ribs clean.
- Marinate the ribs with pepper, seasoning powder, salt, and MSG.
- Coat the ribs with a little flour.
Step 2. Fry the Ribs
- Fry the ribs in an air fryer or pan with oil until shiny and golden brown (about 20 minutes, 10 minutes per side at 180 degrees).
Step 3. Make and Combine the Sauce
- Mix water, sugar, fish sauce, and vinegar (or lemon/lime juice).
- Stir-fry garlic and chili until fragrant.
- Add the sweet and sour sauce and fish sauce to the pan.
- Add the fried ribs to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Marinate the ribs for a while to let them absorb the spices.
- Using a little flour helps prevent the ribs from drying out and keeps the color nice.
- This frying method results in dry, crispy ribs that children love.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of ribs?
Yes! Baby back ribs, spare ribs, or even pork shoulder (cooked and shredded) can be used. Adjust cooking time accordingly; smaller ribs cook faster.
2. What if I don't have fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be substituted, but you'll lose some of the unique umami flavor. Try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to compensate.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes uncovered to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) towards the end of cooking.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Sweet and Sour Fried Ribs! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. We hope you'll impress your family and friends with this easy yet flavorful dish.