Garlic Tasty Spare Ribs, known as “蒜香骨” in Chinese, is a traditional and beloved dish in Cantonese cuisine. This savory dish features tender pork ribs enhanced with a rich garlic flavor and a hint of spiciness. Its unique preparation method and flavorful ingredients make it a standout dish that delights the palate.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredient in Garlic Tasty Spare Ribs is pork ribs, complemented by carrots and onions. Key seasonings include ginger, soy sauce, and peanut oil. The dish is primarily prepared through deep frying, which brings out its golden color and crispy texture.

Recipe Variations

Method One

Ingredients:

• 600g pork ribs
• 150g garlic
• 50g carrot
• 50g onion
• 100g celery
• 75g cilantro
• Salt, pepper, MSG, chicken essence, rose wine, meat tenderizer, baking soda, and salad oil (1500g, about 100g used)

Steps:

1. Wash and cut the ribs into 8 cm pieces, soaking them in water to remove blood. Mince the garlic, carrot, onion, celery, and cilantro, and set aside.
2. Drain the ribs and mix them with the minced vegetables, tenderizer, baking soda, rose wine, salt, pepper, MSG, and chicken essence. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
3. Heat the salad oil in a wok until it’s moderately hot (five to six-tenths heat). Fry the ribs until they are nearly cooked, remove and drain. Increase the oil temperature, then fry the ribs again until golden red. Drain and serve.

Method Two

Ingredients:

• Half a pound of spare ribs
• Two ounces of garlic
• One egg
• Cornstarch, ginger, soy sauce, peanut oil

Steps:

1. Clean the ribs and blanch them in boiling water.
2. Mince the garlic, add salt, and marinate the ribs for 20 minutes.
3. Mix two teaspoons of cornstarch and one egg white with four teaspoons of water, then coat the ribs.
4. Heat oil in a pan and fry the ribs until the meat shrinks and the bones protrude. For a crispy, golden color, fry a bit longer before serving.

Method Three

Ingredients:

• 600g pork ribs
• 100g minced garlic
• 15g pickled chili paste
• 15g red chili paste
• 15g minced onion
• Salt, pepper, cooking wine, MSG, chicken essence, soy sauce, Sichuan pepper, cumin powder, spiced salt, sesame seeds, broth, and cornstarch
• Salad oil (1500g, about 100g used)

Steps:

1. Clean and cut the ribs into 8 cm pieces, blanch them, and drain.
2. Heat a little salad oil in a wok, stir-fry the pickled chili paste and Sichuan pepper, then add broth and bring to a boil. Add the ribs, season with salt, pepper, cooking wine, MSG, and chicken essence, and simmer until nearly cooked. Drain.
3. Marinate the drained ribs with minced garlic, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
4. Heat the salad oil until moderately hot, fry the ribs until golden brown, and remove. In the remaining oil, stir-fry the red chili paste, minced onion, and spiced salt, then add the fried ribs, cumin powder, and sesame seeds. Mix well and serve.

Conclusion

Garlic Tasty Spare Ribs is a classic Cantonese dish that showcases the rich flavors and culinary techniques of Guangdong province. Its delightful combination of garlic and tender pork ribs, along with its crispy texture, makes it a favorite among those who enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress with its flavorful and aromatic profile.