Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs simmered in a rich, tangy tomato braise – that's the promise of this comforting and flavorful dish. Imagine succulent ribs, infused with the sweetness of tomatoes and a hint of savory spice, melting in your mouth with each bite. This isn't your average rib recipe; the slow braising process unlocks incredible depth of flavor, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The vibrant red sauce, thick and luscious, clings beautifully to the meat, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute, yielding restaurant-quality results. Ready to experience the magic of perfectly braised pork ribs? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below and create a meal your family will rave about.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Bowl
- Pan
Ingredients
- Pork ribs: 700g
- Tomatoes
- Eggplant: 400g
- Onions: 3 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
- Onion roots: 3 tablespoons (crushed and minced)
- Garlic: 4 cloves (crushed and minced)
- Shallots: 6 small bulbs (crushed)
- Salt: ½ tablespoon
- Ginger
- Cooking wine
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Ground pepper: ¼ tablespoon
- Seasoning seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
- Coconut water: 350ml (or filtered water)
- Chili (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Marinate the Ribs
- Ask the butcher to cut the ribs into 4-5cm pieces. Rinse thoroughly.
- Boil 1 liter of water with ½ tablespoon of salt and some ginger slices. Add the ribs and blanch for about 2 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse again.
- In a bowl, combine the ribs with crushed shallots, minced onion roots, minced garlic, seasoning seeds, ground pepper, sugar, and fish sauce. Mix well and marinate for about 15 minutes.
Step 2. Braising the Ribs
- Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and cook until golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the marinated ribs to the caramelized sugar, followed by the garlic and onion roots. Stir well to coat the ribs evenly.
- Add chili water and 350ml of coconut water (or filtered water). Bring to a boil, then skim off any foam.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the ribs are tender. Stir occasionally and turn the ribs to ensure even cooking.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Finish
- Wash tomatoes and remove the core. Cut eggplants into four pieces. Chop onions, crush and mince onion roots, crush and mince garlic, and crush shallots.
- Add another tablespoon of sugar and dill seeds. Stir well. Add the tomatoes and eggplants. Cover and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the eggplants are soft.
Step 4. Serve
- Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, etc. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Go to the market early to find the freshest meat.
- Use thin and watery tomatoes for better flavor and texture; if the tomatoes are old or wilted, the result will not be as desirable.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking and the sweetness of your tomatoes. Tomatoes tend to be somewhat sour, so added sugar is needed.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned diced or crushed tomatoes work perfectly well. Just drain any excess liquid before adding them to the pot.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the braising liquid for extra heat. You can also use a spicier tomato paste.
This Tomato Braised Pork Ribs recipe delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. The tender ribs and rich tomato sauce will become a family favorite, guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts!