The Ultimate Braised Pork Ribs Recipe: Tender, Sweet & Savory Perfection!
How to Make Delicious Braised Pork Ribs Without Any Gamey Smell
Enjoy mouthwatering braised pork ribs at home, perfect for any occasion, from holidays to everyday meals. It’s surprisingly straightforward once you master the sauce! Experience the incredible tenderness of the ribs combined with a rich, savory sauce that will delight everyone at your table.
Main Ingredients
- Pork ribs, 1.2kg (about 2.6 lbs)
- Scallions or green onions, chopped, 3 Tbsp
- Bay leaf, 1 piece
- Carrot, 1/2 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Whole peppercorns, a pinch
- Onion, 1/2 (cut into large chunks)
For Blanching the Ribs
- Bay leaves, 2 pieces
- Soju or cooking wine, 1/2 cup
The Magic Marinade
- Soy sauce, 7.5 Tbsp
- Grated onion (approx. 1 medium onion), 130g
- Soju or cooking wine, 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 2.5 Tbsp
- Instant coffee (Kanu recommended), 1 packet
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Plum extract (or corn syrup, oligosaccharide), 2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Minced ginger, 1 tsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Cola, 10 Tbsp (adds sweetness and helps tenderize)
Flavor Boosters (Optional)
- Grated pear (for the marinade), 150g
- Dried shiitake mushrooms, 2 pieces (or fresh shiitake)
- Bay leaves, 2 pieces
- Soju or cooking wine, 1/2 cup
The Magic Marinade
- Soy sauce, 7.5 Tbsp
- Grated onion (approx. 1 medium onion), 130g
- Soju or cooking wine, 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 2.5 Tbsp
- Instant coffee (Kanu recommended), 1 packet
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Plum extract (or corn syrup, oligosaccharide), 2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Minced ginger, 1 tsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Cola, 10 Tbsp (adds sweetness and helps tenderize)
Flavor Boosters (Optional)
- Grated pear (for the marinade), 150g
- Dried shiitake mushrooms, 2 pieces (or fresh shiitake)
- Grated pear (for the marinade), 150g
- Dried shiitake mushrooms, 2 pieces (or fresh shiitake)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the pork ribs thoroughly and soak them in cold water for about 1 hour to remove any blood. This step is crucial for a clean taste without any gamey odor.
Step 2
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well until smooth. Cover the marinade and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld and mature.
Step 3
In a pot, bring plenty of water to a boil with 2 bay leaves. Once boiling, add the soju or cooking wine, followed by the pork ribs. Blanch the ribs for about 3-4 minutes, or until the center of the bones turns light brown. This process helps remove impurities and unwanted smells.
Step 4
Rinse the blanched ribs under cold running water to wash away any remaining debris. Drain them well, then transfer the ribs to a bowl. Pour all the prepared marinade over the ribs and mix to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Step 5
Place the marinated ribs in a cooking pot. Prepare the vegetables for cooking: slice the shiitake mushrooms, onion, and carrots into appealing sizes. Feel free to add other ingredients like enoki mushrooms, chili peppers, or potatoes according to your preference. If using potatoes, cut them into large chunks as they will be cooked from the beginning.
Step 6
Add the ribs and enough water to the pot to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat. Add the shiitake mushrooms and carrots after the liquid starts boiling to maintain their texture. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the sauce from reducing too quickly.
Step 7
After simmering for about 17 minutes, add the large chunks of onion. If you’re adding enoki mushrooms or chili peppers, toss them in at this stage as well. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat until all ingredients are tender.
Step 8
Simmer for about 5 more minutes, or until all ingredients are tender. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar/plum extract for sweetness. If the ribs are not tender enough or the sauce is too thin, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Optionally, add chopped scallions or minced garlic towards the end, and simmer for another 2 minutes with a pinch of black pepper.
Step 9
Transfer the delicious braised pork ribs to a serving plate for a visually appealing presentation. Your hearty meal is ready!
