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As I watched my neighbor grill up a feast during a summer barbecue, the sizzling sound of the pork and the fragrant spices danced in the air, drawing me closer. That’s where I first discovered the melt-in-your-mouth delight of Chinese boneless spare ribs, also known as Char Siu Pork. The glossy, sweet glaze promises a burst of flavor that takes you far away from the mundane fast-food routine.

This dish has become my secret weapon for impressing family and friends at gatherings. With its vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a ticket to a culinary adventure right in your kitchen. The best part? You don’t have to be a professional chef to master it—just some quality pork and a handful of accessible ingredients.

Ready to infuse your weeknight dinners with a touch of authenticity? Join me as we dive into this simple yet exquisite recipe that’s sure to turn any boring evening into a celebration.

Why Are Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs So Irresistible?

Tender, Juicy Bliss: The pork is marinated to perfection, delivering incredible flavor in every bite.
Easy to Prepare: You’ll find that this recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal effort yet yielding impressive results.
Versatile Pairing: Serve these ribs alongside fried rice, steamed vegetables, or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings; everyone will be asking for seconds!
Flavorful Adventure: The combination of spices and sweet glazes takes your taste buds on a delicious journey to China, making this dish a standout in any home-cooked repertoire.

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs Ingredients

• Get ready to savor deliciousness!

For the Pork

Boneless Pork Butt – 2 1/2 pounds, sliced ¾” thick; this cut is ideal for marinating and roasting to juicy perfection.

For the Marinade

Minced Garlic – 2 cloves; enhances flavor and aroma in your marinade.
Sugar – 3 1/2 tablespoons; balances the savory spices with a touch of sweetness.
Sea Salt – 2 1/2 teaspoons; elevates the overall flavor of the dish.
Five Spice Powder – 1 teaspoon; adds a warm, aromatic depth that’s essential for authentic flavor.
Ground White Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon; lightly spices the marinade without overwhelming the dish.
Shaoxing Wine – 2 tablespoons; adds a rich, aromatic quality that’s characteristic of Chinese cooking.
Hoisin Sauce – 1 tablespoon; lends a sweet and tangy element to the glaze.
Ground Bean Sauce – 1 tablespoon; contributes a unique umami flavor that enhances the pork.
Ketchup – 1 tablespoon; brings sweetness and a hint of acidity for balance.
Pineapple Juice – 3 tablespoons; adds a fruity sweetness that complements the savory pork beautifully.
Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon; introduces a nutty flavor that rounds out the marinade.
Red Food Coloring (optional) – 1/8 teaspoon; for that signature glossy red appearance of Chinese boneless spare ribs.

For the Glaze

Maltose or Honey – 2 tablespoons (substitute honey if needed); brushed on the ribs for a stunning caramelization and shine while roasting.

Let this guide your journey to crafting irresistible Chinese boneless spare ribs that will wow your taste buds and impress everyone at your table!

How to Make Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Freeze your pork. If it’s thawed, pop it into the freezer for about 45 minutes until firm, but not rock solid. This makes slicing into ¾-inch thick slabs a breeze!
Mix the marinade. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, sugar, sea salt, five spice powder, ground white pepper, Shaoxing wine, hoisin sauce, ground bean sauce, ketchup, pineapple juice, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if desired). Stir until smooth and well blended.
Coat the pork. Add your sliced pork to the marinade, tossing it gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover it and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight, ideally for 12-24 hours, for maximum flavor.
Bring to room temperature. Once marinated, let the pork sit on the counter for about 2 hours. This helps it cook evenly later on.
Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a sheet pan or roasting pan by lining it with heavy-duty foil and placing a metal rack on top.
Arrange the pork. Place the marinated pork on the metal rack, making sure there’s at least an inch of space between the pieces. Pour ½ cup of hot water into the bottom of the pan to maintain moisture, and transfer it to the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Flip and cook again. After 15 minutes, carefully flip the pork pieces over and return them to the oven for another 15 minutes. If the pan seems dry, feel free to add another ½ cup of hot water.
Brush with glaze. Combine maltose or honey with 2 teaspoons of hot water and generously brush this mixture over both sides of the pork for that sticky, glossy finish.
Optional broil. For an extra touch of caramelization, broil the pork on low for a few minutes until it’s lightly charred. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Let it rest. After broiling, brush the pork with maltose or honey one more time. Allow it to rest at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly. Enjoy it with fried rice for a delightful meal!

Optional: Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs are a fantastic choice for busy weeknights! You can prepare the marinade and coat the pork up to 24 hours in advance; just remember to let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours to enhance the flavors. If you find yourself with extra time, you can even slice the pork and prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance—just keep everything tightly covered in the fridge. To maintain quality, keep the pork and marinade separate until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to serve, let the pork come to room temperature for 2 hours before cooking, and follow the roasting instructions as detailed. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Fridge: Store the cooked ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy the delightful flavors again.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the ribs tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the ribs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. A little extra glaze can be brushed on to enhance that sweet, sticky flavor!

Marinating: If you have leftover marinade, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days to use as a flavorful baste during reheating.

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs Variations

Customize your dish by exploring these delightful twists and substitutions that’ll elevate your homemade feast!

Pineapple Glaze: Swap out half the maltose for additional pineapple juice for a fruity, tropical flavor.
Let the sweetness of pineapple shine through as it complements the savory elements beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce to the marinade for a spicy, mouth-watering punch.
This will bring heat without overpowering the savory sweetness, adding complexity to every bite.
Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu or seitan as a meat alternative, mimicking the taste by marinating similarly.
With the right glaze, your vegetarian friends will be raving over this flavorful creation just like the original!
Soy-Free: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option that still packs in plenty of flavor.
It’s a great alternative for those avoiding soy, ensuring everyone can enjoy these savory delights.
Nutty Infusion: Stir in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutty richness that goes wonderfully with the marinade.
The creaminess enhances the texture while adding depth to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Sweet & Sour Sauce: Drizzle some sweet and sour sauce on top before serving for a classic flavor pairing.
This twist turns your ribs into a sweet, tangy experience that’s sure to please every palate at your table.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lime into the marinade for a refreshing citrus note.
The added brightness lifts the flavors, making each bite more vibrant and exciting.
Garlic Lovers: For an extra punch of garlicky goodness, double the amount of minced garlic.
This makes the dish even more aromatic and enhances the savory flavor that everyone loves.

What to Serve with Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs?

Enhance your dining experience by pairing these delicious ribs with complementary dishes that bring balance and flavor to your table.

Fried Rice: Offers a satisfying and hearty base, while its fluffy texture soaks up the delicious glaze from the ribs.
Steamed Bok Choy: The slight bitterness of bok choy beautifully contrasts the sweet, rich flavors of the pork, adding freshness to the meal.
Garlic Noodles: A delightful, savory addition; these noodles provide a satisfying bite and a touch of garlic that synchronizes with the char siu.
Crispy Spring Rolls: Their crunchiness juxtaposes the juicy tenderness of the ribs, creating a delightful textural balance while adding an authentic Asian flair.
Asian Slaw: A refreshing, crunchy side that includes cucumbers and carrots; its tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the pork, making every bite refreshing.
Beer or a Light Wine: A chilled lager or a light, fruity white wine pairs excellently, enhancing the sweet and savory elements of the dish without overpowering them.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this tropical treat provides a sweet finish, offering a creamy, luscious balance that wraps up your culinary adventure perfectly.

Expert Tips for Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Marinating Time: Allowing your pork to marinate for at least 12 hours deeply enhances the flavor, making the best Chinese boneless spare ribs even more irresistible.

Temperature Matters: Bring your pork to room temperature for 2 hours before cooking; this ensures even cooking and a tender texture.

Watch the Glaze: When broiling, keep a close eye on your ribs to avoid burning. A few minutes can make a big difference in achieving that perfect char.

Moist Cooking: Adding water to the pan while roasting is crucial to keep the pork moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Thin Slices: After resting, slice your ribs thinly against the grain for the best texture and maximum enjoyment in every bite!

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs Recipe FAQs

What type of pork is best for Char Siu?
Absolutely! Boneless pork butt is ideal for Char Siu because it has the right fat content to keep the meat juicy and tender during cooking. You can also use boneless country ribs if you prefer; just make sure they’re sliced into the specified thickness for even cooking.

How long can I store leftover Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs in the fridge?
You can store your cooked ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat them thoroughly to enjoy their delicious flavors once again!

Can I freeze Char Siu Pork?
Absolutely! To freeze your Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in freezer-safe bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs?
Certainly! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil to keep them moist. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Optionally, brush a little extra glaze on top to revitalize the flavors!

What should I do if my Char Siu is too dry?
If you find your ribs have dried out, don’t worry! You can bring them back to life by brushing with a little broth or extra glaze before reheating, which will help restore moisture and flavor. Additionally, always ensure you’re adding water to the pan during cooking to keep the meat juicy.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very much! If you’re serving this dish to guests with dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that this recipe contains ingredients like gluten (in soy sauce and hoisin sauce) and sugar. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free substitutes for these ingredients. Always check for allergies, especially if you’re using store-bought sauces.