Classic Sweet and Sour Ribs: Crispy, Tender, and Delicious!

9.48M
April 10, 2025
Atticus
Atticus

Today, I’m bringing you a universally loved classic dish—sweet and sour pork ribs! This dish is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy sauce that leaves you satisfied with every bite! Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, sweet and sour pork ribs will undoubtedly steal the show on the table! Plus, it’s not complicated to make—follow this tutorial, and you’ll be guaranteed a restaurant-quality masterpiece!


Ingredients Needed:

(These ingredients are easily found at any regular supermarket, ensuring you’ll master this dish in no time!)

  • Pork spare ribs: 500g (opt for cuts with some meat for a richer texture)
  • White sugar: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
  • White vinegar: 2 tablespoons (adds tanginess and balances the sweet-sour flavor)
  • Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (enhances flavor)
  • Dark soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (adds color)
  • Cooking wine: 1 tablespoon (removes any gaminess)
  • Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon
  • Ginger slices: to taste
  • Green onion segments: to taste
  • Salt: to taste
  • Cornstarch: to taste (for thickening)
  • Cooking oil: to taste

Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ribs and Marinate for Flavor

  • Ribs Prep: Rinse the pork spare ribs, cut them into manageable segments, and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Marinate the Ribs: Place the ribs in a bowl, add cooking wine and salt, mix well, and let them marinate for 10 minutes. This removes any gaminess and boosts flavor absorption.

Step 2: Fry the Ribs for a Crispy Exterior and Tender Interior

  • Heat a moderate amount of cooking oil in a pan until it reaches medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated ribs to the pan and fry until both sides are golden and slightly crispy. This locks in the juices, making the meat even more succulent!
  • Remove the fried ribs and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • Add a small amount of oil to the pan, then sauté the minced garlic and ginger slices until fragrant.
  • Add white sugar, followed by white vinegar, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce to create the sweet and sour sauce.
  • Pour in a little water, stir well, and simmer over low heat until the sugar fully dissolves and the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Coat the Ribs with Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • Add the fried ribs back into the pan and toss them evenly to coat every side with the sauce.
  • Keep stir-frying until the sauce reduces and thickens, giving the ribs a glossy, appetizing sheen.
  • If the sauce gets too dry, add a tiny bit of water, stir-fry until it thickens again, then mix in a cornstarch slurry (water + cornstarch) for a smooth, glossy finish.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

  • Transfer the sweet and sour ribs to a plate and sprinkle with green onion segments for added aroma and flair.

Done! Crispy Outside, Tender Inside, Sweet and Tangy—Everyone’s Favorite Sweet and Sour Ribs!

These sweet and sour pork ribs have a crispy exterior, tender meat, and a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet sauce—a true feast for your taste buds! The method is simple, yet the results are incredibly satisfying. Every bite is a delight to your senses! Doesn’t it already make your mouth water just thinking about it? Give it a try—you’ll have your family and friends raving about it!

Interactive Topic:

Do you prefer your sweet and sour ribs sweeter or more tangy?

Besides sweet and sour ribs, what other classic dishes do you love making? Drop a comment and let me know—share your signature recipes!