published Nov 08, 2021, updated Jan 04, 2022 When you’re craving a true comfort food meal, not much hits the spot as well as devouring a rack of sticky, saucy ribs. It truly doesn’t matter if they’re short ribs, spare ribs, or baby backs. A plate full of tender, juicy Chinese-spiced meat slathered in Asian bbq sauce is sure to bring a smile.
Chinese Five Spice Ribs
Cuisine: Asian If you’re not familiar with Chinese five spice, you’re in for a real treat. The seasoning blend is a staple in both Chinese and Taiwanese cooking. It adds plenty of heat and flavor, and pairs well with just about any meat, but especially shrimp, beef, and pork.I use 5 spice in my recipe for pork shumai, and it’s just as fabulous on baby back or spare ribs! Course:Main dishPreparation:grill, smoker, or ovenDifficulty: Easy 🥄 Description:Pork ribs seasoned with Chinese five spice, cooked until tender, then mopped with a spicy-sweet, tangy Asian bbq sauce
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Pork or beef ribs– I use pork baby back ribs for this recipe, but you could use spare ribs or short ribs. Just keep in mind that spare ribs are meatier than baby backs, so you’ll likely need to increase the cooking time a bit.
Cooking options for Chinese 5 spice ribs
My favorite way to prepare baby back ribs is on a grill or smoker. Fortunately, I live in an area where I am able to grill outdoors almost all year long. However, I realize that some of you may not have that luxury. The grilling and smoking instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this posts. For the rest of you, this is how to make baked Chinese 5 spice ribs indoors.. How to cook baby back ribs in oven
No time to prep?If you’re in a big hurry to get out the door, make this slow cooker recipe for sweet and sour ribs. Just set ’em and forget ’em!
Serving suggestions
One of the many reasons that ribs are so wonderful is, they’re perfect for both casual meals and fancier dinners. For a casual meal, the Chinese 5 spice ribs are delicious with fresh vegetable sides like Pai Huang Gua (Chinese cucumber salad), kimchi and/or spicy pickled carrots. Of course, a side of steamed rice pairs well with everything.
