Who doesn’t love a plate of delicious, fall-off-the-bone spare ribs? Something about Chinese 12345 ribs captures the hearts of meat lovers everywhere. These meaty ribs are known for their mouth-watering sauce and perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory aromas. Best of all, you can easily make this unique recipe in the comfort of your home. Succulent and juicy ribs make a tasty appetizer or main course. In this post, I’ll bring you step-by-step through the process so that you can prepare your own 12345 spare ribs bursting with flavor.
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What is 12345 ribs?
Have you ever wondered why these delicious ribs are called "12345 ribs"?12345 ribs is a unique name; it is also known as Chinese sweet-sour spare ribs, which are meaty and flavorful pork ribs. To achieve tender and fall-off-the-bone results, 12345 ribs are often cooked and glazed with this perfect sauce ratio "12345." The name actually reflects the cooking method and flavor profile of the dish.
In Chinese cuisine, the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 represent the ratio of different flavors. The sauce of these ribs combines Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and water, which correspond to the flavors represented by the numbers. It means 1 part of Shaoxing wine, 2 parts of light soy sauce, 3 parts of Zhejiang black vinegar, 4 parts of light brown sugar, and 5 parts of water.
In this recipe, I used a tablespoon for each part, which covers 2 pounds pork ribs. This unique naming tradition is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Chinese cuisine, where every ingredient and cooking technique has a purpose and meaning.
What makes this recipe special?
You may be wondering what sets Chinese 12345 ribs apart from other rib recipes. Here are some factors that make this recipe truly special:
The perfect balance of ingredients: The combination of soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, water, and Shaoxing wine creates a sauce that is perfectly balanced in flavor. Each ingredient plays an important role in enhancing the taste of the ribs, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
Tender, sticky glaze: The cooking process of caramelizing the ribs creates a sticky glaze that coats each rib, adding depth of flavor.
Ease of preparation: This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. With a few basic ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can create tender and delicious ribs.
Key ingredients
To create authentic Chinese 12345 ribs, you'll need the following:
Pork spare ribs: Instead of spare ribs, you can try using different rib cuts, such as baby back ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Each rib cut has its own unique characteristics. Feel free to choose your favorite cut of ribs.
Soy sauce: Soy sauce is the backbone of the sauce ingredients for Chinese 12345 ribs, providing a rich, umami flavor that brings out the natural meaty flavors of the ribs.
Zhejiang black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar): This Chinese black vinegar adds a tangy, sour note to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness of the sugar. It also helps to tenderize the meat, making it more succulent and juicy.
Sugar: Sugar is responsible for adding a touch of sweetness to the sauce, complementing the savory and sour flavors. It also helps to create a sticky sauce on the ribs. You can also use rock sugar; it also creates excellent results.
Shaoxing wine: Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese cooking wine and a staple in Chinese cooking. It adds wine-like rich flavor to the ribs, making the ribs more robust and satisfying. You can substitute with rice wine or dry sherry if you don't have Shaoxing wine.
Water: Water can help you achieve the desired consistency of the sauce.
Ginger slices: Ginger is an essential ingredient in Chinese cuisine. They add a hint of heat and earthiness, balancing out the sweetness and sourness of the sauce in 12345 ribs.
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: These ingredients add freshness and texture, mainly for garnishing the ribs; it is optional.
Cooking steps
Start by cutting the ribs into 2-inch portions on a clean cutting board; if a butcher is available at the meat counter, it is easier to ask them to cut it for you.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Season the water with salt, which helps to flavor the ribs. Once the water is boiling, add the ribs and cook them for 10 minutes. Then, remove the ribs from the pot and pat dry with a paper towel. The blanching process removes impurities from the meat, resulting in ribs that are clean, tender, and ready to absorb the flavors of the sauce. It also helps to reduce any unpleasant odors that may be present in raw meat.
Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add ginger slices, and let them cook until they become fragrant. Then brown the ribs; the high heat is necessary to sear the ribs quickly, creating that golden brown crust. This process should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the ribs. Work in batches if necessary, ensuring that each rib has seared evenly.
Pour the 12345 sauce (Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, Zhejiang black vinegar, sugar, and water) over the ribs, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Let the ribs cook very gentle simmering for about 30 minutes or until the ribs are cooked through and tender; the sauce should be boiled down and become sticky. Make sure to stir occasionally and drizzle the ribs with the sauce.
Garnish with roasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy your delicious Chinese 12345 spare ribs!
Best pairings
To create a well-rounded, flavorful meal with Chinese 12345 ribs, it's essenti to consider the best pairings. Here comes some suggestions:
Pair with rice or noodles: Chinese 12345 ribs are traditionally served with white rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also pair them with noodles, such as chow mein or lo mein, for a more substantial meal. The noodles will absorb the sauce, creating a satisfying, flavorful dish.
Vegetables: Flavor contrast: Chinese 12345 ribs have a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. To create a well-balanced meal, pair them with light, refreshing side dishes that contrast flavors. Such as a green salad, stir-fried leafy vegetables, or pickled vegetables alongside the ribs.
Feel free to be creative and create a meal that is not only delicious but also perfectly balanced in flavors.:)
Storing and reheating leftover 12345 ribs
If you have leftovers of your delicious Chinese 12345 ribs, you can store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat leftover ribs, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at around 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated. Now, you can enjoy your leftover Chinese 12345 ribs for another delicious meal.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, there's nothing quite like a delicious plate of 12345 spare ribs to end the day—the light, crispy exterior, the juicy interior, and the finger-licking sauce. The combination of "12345" ingredients, such as Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, vinegar, and water, creates a mouth-watering flavor that is hard to resist. By following the step-by-step cooking procedure, you can easily make this recipe at home. So go ahead and give this recipe a try. Happy cooking!
12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of baby spare ribs
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons black vinegar
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons water
- chopped green onions and roasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Start by cutting the ribs into 2-inch portions on a clean cutting board; if a butcher is available at the meat counter, it is easier to ask them to cut it for you.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Season the water with salt, which helps to flavor the ribs. Once the water is boiling, add the ribs and cook them for 10 minutes. Then, remove the ribs from the pot and pat dry with a paper towel. The blanching process removes impurities from the meat, resulting in ribs that are clean, tender, and ready to absorb the flavors of the sauce. It also helps to reduce any unpleasant odors that may be present in raw meat.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add ginger slices, and let them cook until they become fragrant. Then brown the ribs; the high heat is necessary to sear the ribs quickly, creating that golden brown crust. This process should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the ribs. Work in batches if necessary, ensuring that each rib has seared evenly.
- Pour the 12345 sauce (Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, Zhejiang black vinegar, sugar, and water) over the ribs, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Let the ribs cook very gentle simmering for about 30 minutes or until the ribs are cooked through and tender; the sauce should be boiled down and become sticky. Make sure to stir occasionally and drizzle the ribs with the sauce.
- Garnish with roasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Enjoy your delicious Chinese 12345 spare ribs!
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