Spicy and Tender Braised Pork Back Ribs
A Special Home-Style Dish: Braised Pork Back Ribs, Perfect with a Drink!
Have you heard of braised pork back ribs? I once tasted an unforgettable version at a pub, and the flavor lingered in my memory. Inspired, I decided to buy pork neck bones and recreate that deliciousness at home. This dish offers a deep, rich flavor and incredibly tender pork ribs, making it a fantastic main dish or a satisfying accompaniment to drinks. Try this recipe to create your own impressive braised pork back ribs!
Key Ingredients
- 1kg Pork Back Ribs
- 1 bottle (approx. 500g) Store-bought Spicy Braised Galbi Sauce
- 100g Glass Noodles (soaked in advance)
- 100g Rice Cakes
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 stalk Green Onion (chopped)
- 2 Korean Red Chilies (chopped)
- Mushrooms (optional, to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, soak the pork back ribs in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove any blood. Rinse and change the water 2-3 times during this process for more effective blood removal. This step is crucial for eliminating any gamey odor from the pork.
Step 2
After draining the blood, place the pork back ribs in a pot and cover with just enough water to submerge them. Parboil for the first time to tenderize the meat and reduce any porky smell. This initial boiling is essential for a cleaner taste and shorter cooking time later. Boil over high heat for 30 minutes, medium heat for 20 minutes, and low heat for 10 minutes, for a total of about 60 minutes. For best results, add aromatics like garlic, ginger, green onion stalks, soju, and whole peppercorns to the boiling water to further mask any unwanted odors. Feel free to use any available ingredients you have at home.
Step 3
As the pork back ribs boil, you’ll notice impurities or foam floating to the surface. You can skim these off with a spoon or chopsticks if you wish, for a cleaner broth, but don’t worry too much. We’ll be rinsing the ribs later, so it’s okay if a little remains.
Step 4
Once the initial boiling is complete, rinse the pork back ribs thoroughly under cold running water. This will remove any remaining impurities and residual fat attached to the bones, ensuring a cleaner final dish. This step significantly contributes to a clearer and more refined taste of the braised ribs.
Step 5
Now, take the cleaned pork back ribs and pour the entire bottle of store-bought spicy braised galbi sauce over them. Mix well to ensure all the ribs are evenly coated with the sauce. Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 5-6 hours. For an even deeper flavor, marinating overnight is highly recommended.
Step 6
Transfer the marinated pork back ribs to a pot and add enough water to cover the ribs. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently until the ribs become tender.
Step 7
As the braised pork back ribs begin to simmer, add a generous tablespoon of minced garlic. For an extra kick of spiciness, add the chopped Korean red chilies at this stage to create a deliciously piquant flavor. Cover and continue to cook over medium-low heat until the ribs are very tender.
Step 8
When the sauce has reduced by about half, add your desired additions such as the prepared rice cakes, soaked glass noodles, and mushrooms. You can also add instant ramen noodles for a delightful variation. Continue to cook until all the ingredients are tender and the sauce has reached your preferred consistency.
Step 9
Finally, garnish with the freshly chopped green onions. Your delicious braised pork back ribs are now ready to be enjoyed! Imagine savoring a bowl of steaming hot ribs with a refreshing glass of soju – it’s the perfect way to unwind and shake off the day’s fatigue. Enjoy your meal!
