Spicy and Sweet Pork Ribs Stew with Sweet Potato Stems
Easy-to-Peel Sweet Potato Stems and Spicy Pork Ribs Stew Recipe
An amazing harmony of chewy pork ribs and crisp sweet potato stems! Inspired by a popular Korean TV show’s recipe, this is a special version made with pork ribs and sweet potato stems instead of fish. Learn the secret to easily peeling sweet potato stems and make this delicious spicy and sweet stew. It’s perfect as a side dish for rice or a delicious accompaniment to drinks!
Main Ingredients- Sweet potato stems, 4 handfuls (approx. 300-400g)
- Pork ribs, 1kg
- Potato, 1/2
- Onion, 1/2
- Green onion, 1 stalk
- Cheongyang chili peppers, 10
- Red chili pepper, 1
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s learn the secret to easily peeling sweet potato stems. In a pot, combine 5 cups of water (measured with a paper cup) and 2 Tbsp of salt to make a saltwater solution. Soak 4 handfuls of sweet potato stems in this saltwater for about 30 minutes. This makes the tedious peeling process much easier!
Step 2
The sweet potato stems, softened by soaking in saltwater, can be easily snapped off. You can peel them with ease while even watching a drama! (Note: The stems won’t get mushy during this process, so you can soak them with confidence.)
Step 3
Once peeled, cut the sweet potato stems into bite-sized pieces, about 5-7cm long. If they are too long, the seasoning might not penetrate well.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the pork ribs. Place 1kg of pork ribs in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat; impurities and blood will float to the surface. Once boiling, continue to simmer for about 5 minutes to remove impurities.
Step 5
Rinse the parboiled pork ribs thoroughly under cold running water. Removing the blood and impurities this way helps eliminate any gamey smell and results in a cleaner-tasting stew.
Step 6
Let’s make the seasoning for the pork ribs stew. In a bowl, combine 4 Tbsp red pepper powder, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger (or ginger powder), 1 Tbsp plum extract, and 100ml soy sauce (half a paper cup). Mix well.
Step 7
Prepare the broth ingredients. In a pot, add dried kelp and anchovies or dried shrimp, then pour in 5 cups (1 liter) of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for about 5 more minutes. Strain out all the solids, leaving only the clear broth. (Using dried shrimp adds more umami.)
Step 8
Now, let’s start making the pork ribs stew. Spread 2 handfuls of the prepared sweet potato stems evenly on the bottom of the pot where you made the broth. The stems will soften and absorb the seasoning underneath the ribs.
Step 9
Arrange the blanched and rinsed pork ribs attractively on top of the stems. Cut the potato and onion into large chunks and place them between the ribs. Add the chopped green onion and red chili pepper as well.
Step 10
Pour the prepared seasoning mixture evenly over the pork ribs and vegetables. Add 10 Cheongyang chili peppers, halved, to enhance the spicy flavor.
Step 11
Finally, cover the top with the remaining two handfuls of sweet potato stems and close the lid. Adding plenty of sweet potato stems makes it even more delicious.
Step 12
Simmer over medium heat for about 1 hour. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little water as needed. Cook until the pork ribs are tender and the sauce has reduced to a desirable consistency.
Step 13
And here it is – the finished Spicy and Sweet Pork Ribs Stew with Sweet Potato Stems! The tender ribs that fall off the bone, combined with the surprisingly crisp sweet potato stems, create an exceptional flavor. The sweet potato stems themselves are as appealing as the ribs! This spicy sauce is incredibly satisfying with rice. Enjoy this delicious meal!
