Sticky Chinese BBQ ribs

Step 1/3

• ⅔ kg baby back ribs
• ½ tbsp raw sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• ½ tsp white pepper
• ½ tsp black peppercorns (ground)

• bowl (small)
• aluminum foil
• parchment paper
• baking pan

Preheat oven to 120°C/248°F top/bottom heat. For the dry rub, mix together a third of the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, five spice, white pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl. Take a piece of aluminium foil more than twice the length of the rack of ribs and fold in half to create a double-layered piece. Place ribs on top of foil and peel off the thin membrane (silverskin) on the back of the ribs. Sprinkle dry rub over both sides of ribs, but mostly on top of the meaty side. Flip ribs so the meaty side is facing downwards on the foil. Fold foil together over ribs, crimping and rolling to form an airtight package with seam at top. Place th foil package on baking-paper-lined tray and bake for approx. 2 hrs. in the preheated oven.

Step 2/3

• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 5 g ginger
• ½ tsp fennel seed
• 5 cloves
• 2½ star anise
• ¼ cinnamon stick
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp raw sugar

• knife
• cutting board
• pot
• cooking spoon

In the meantime, prepare the sauce. Peel and lightly crush garlic cloves, then slice ginger into ½ cm pieces. Heat a small saucepan on medium heat, add oil, garlic cloves, ginger, fennel seeds, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon stick; fry for approx. 30 sec. or until aromatic. Add hoisin sauce, ketchup, shaoxing rice wine, apple vinegar, soy sauce, and remaining brown sugar. Simmer for approx. 10 min., stirring occasionally. Once reduced, sieve to remove garlic, ginger, and whole spices. Set aside until ribs are finished baking.

Step 3/3

• ½ tbsp sesame seed (for garnish)
• ½ scallion (for garnish)

• pastry brush

Remove ribs from the oven after approx. 2 hrs. and allow to rest for approx. 15 min. Meanwhile, increase oven temperature to 220°C/428°F. After approx. 15 min., cut open one corner of foil package and pour the excess liquid into a bowl. Remove ribs from foil and place on baking paper, meaty side up. Put tray on the top shelf in oven and bake for approx. 5 min. to form a nice crust. Remove from oven, brush with 2 tbsp sauce, and bake for another approx. 5 min. Remove, add another layer of sauce, and bake for final approx. 5 min. Finally, brush with remaining sauce and garnish with sesame seeds, finely sliced spring onions and some chili, if desired.

Enjoy your meal!