Description
Large pieces of sweet and savory pork ribs coated in an umami-packed glaze. This super-simple pork rib recipe has the same great flavor as traditional Vietnamese caramelized pork ribs, but takes fewer steps.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 lbs pork spare rib slab
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large shallot (finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
- 3 garlic cloves (finely diced)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 green onions (optional; thinly sliced)
- Sprinkle ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the pork ribs: If possible, remove the thin membrane from underneath the slab of pork ribs. If you can get grab a piece of it from the edge, which can be quite slippery, it will pull off easily, usually in one large sheet. Removing this membrane will immediately remove that chewy part of the rib, making it more tender. After removing the membrane, use a sharp knife to cut in-between the bones to separate the ribs into individual long pieces.
- Pan fry ribs: In a large nonstick deep skillet, heat oil on medium-high. Pan-fry the ribs until caramelized and golden brown on all sides (about 7 minutes total).
- Add aromatics: Clear a space in the middle of the skillet and add shallots, minced lemongrass, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for about 15 seconds.
- Add seasoning and braise: Add brown sugar, fish sauce, and water. Toss the ribs in the mixture. Cover and reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the ribs are tender. Add a bit more water if necessary if the liquid is cooking off before ribs are tender. Flip the ribs halfway through to get coated in the sauce. Uncover the skillet. Most of the liquid should have evaporated and reduced to a shiny glaze. If not, continue to simmer uncovered. Keep a watchful eye at this point because the sauce can reduce too much and burn – the very reason a nonstick skillet will save you a lot of headache.
- Garnish and serve: Top with green onions and ground black pepper for a beautiful and aromatic finish. Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: asian, vietnamese