Sweet & Savory Braised Pork Ribs with Cola Soy Sauce
How to Make Tender and Flavorful Braised Pork Ribs with Cola Soy Sauce: A Perfect Recipe
This recipe features 1.2kg (approximately 2.6 lbs) of fresh pork back ribs, braised in a delicious sweet and savory soy sauce-based marinade enhanced with cola. Discover the secret to making these ribs incredibly tender and completely free of any gamey odor. Perfect for gatherings or a special meal!
Main Ingredients- Pork Back Ribs 1.2kg (approx. 2.6 lbs)
Cola Soy Sauce Marinade- Cola 245ml x 2 cans (490ml total)
- Soy Sauce 5 Tbsp
- Oyster Sauce 5 Tbsp
- Corn Syrup or Rice Syrup 4 Tbsp
- Doenjang (Fermented Soybean Paste) 1 Tbsp
- Instant Coffee Granules 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 2 Tbsp
- Cooking Wine (Mirin or Sake) 5 Tbsp
- Cola 245ml x 2 cans (490ml total)
- Soy Sauce 5 Tbsp
- Oyster Sauce 5 Tbsp
- Corn Syrup or Rice Syrup 4 Tbsp
- Doenjang (Fermented Soybean Paste) 1 Tbsp
- Instant Coffee Granules 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 2 Tbsp
- Cooking Wine (Mirin or Sake) 5 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1.2kg of fresh pork back ribs. Lightly rinse them under running water.
Step 2
To remove any gamey smell and tenderize the ribs, we’ll do an initial boil. In a wide, deep pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 3 slices of ginger, about 1/4 cup (40ml) of soju or cooking wine, and 2 Tbsp of sugar. Let it boil for a moment, then add the pork ribs. Keep the lid off and boil for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for removing unwanted odors.
Step 3
After the initial boil, drain the ribs and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to wash away any impurities and residual blood. A good rinse ensures a cleaner taste.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the magic marinade that gives the ribs their fantastic flavor! In a large bowl, combine 2 cans (490ml total) of cola, 5 Tbsp soy sauce, 5 Tbsp oyster sauce, 4 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup), 1 Tbsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp instant coffee granules, 2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 5 Tbsp cooking wine. Mix everything well with a spoon until thoroughly combined. (Measurements are based on standard Korean soup spoons).
Step 5
Place the rinsed pork ribs into a cooking pot. Pour all the prepared cola soy sauce marinade over the ribs. Add half an apple (cut into large pieces) and one onion (cut into large pieces) for extra flavor and sweetness.
Step 6
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 35 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, making it tender.
Step 7
After 35 minutes, remove the lid. Take out the cooked apple and onion pieces. Now, increase the heat to medium-high to reduce the sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8
Continue to simmer, stirring, until the sauce has thickened nicely and coats the ribs with a beautiful sheen. Once the desired consistency is reached, turn off the heat. This is where the perfect sweet and savory balance is achieved.
Step 9
Once the braising is complete, turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, a pinch of black pepper, and a drizzle of sesame oil for a fragrant finish. You can also add pine nuts if you like.
Step 10
Voila! Your delicious braised pork ribs are ready. The meat is incredibly tender, and the sweet and savory cola soy sauce glaze is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to mix some rice with the leftover sauce – it’s absolutely delicious!
