Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs (Tang Cu Pai Gu) — Detailed Recipe

Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs (Tang Cu Pai Gu) — Detailed Recipe

Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs is a classic Chinese dish loved for its glossy caramelized coating, tender meat, and perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. It’s a must-have on family dinner tables and festive occasions.

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Ingredients (2–3 servings)

Main Ingredients

• 600 g pork spare ribs, chopped into small pieces

• 2 slices ginger

• 1 scallion, cut into sections

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Seasoning & Sauce

• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

• 3–4 tablespoons sugar (preferably rock sugar)

• 3 tablespoons vinegar (Zhenjiang black vinegar preferred)

• 1 tablespoon cooking wine

• 1 cup water (enough to cover ribs halfway)

• A pinch of salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Blanch the Ribs

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.

2. Add ginger slices, scallion sections, and pork ribs.

3. Cook for 2–3 minutes to remove impurities.

4. Rinse the ribs under warm water and drain completely.

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2. Caramelize the Sugar

1. Heat a wok and add 1 tablespoon of oil.

2. Add sugar (rock sugar works best).

3. Let it melt slowly over low heat until it becomes amber or golden brown.

   • Tip: Watch closely — sugar burns quickly!

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3. Fry the Ribs in Caramel

1. Immediately add the blanched ribs to the caramelized sugar.

2. Stir-fry quickly to coat each piece with the golden caramel.

3. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and cooking wine.

4. Stir to mix evenly.

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4. Braise the Ribs

1. Add enough water to cover the ribs halfway.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

3. Cover and braise for 30–40 minutes until the ribs are tender.

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5. Add Vinegar & Reduce the Sauce

1. Once the ribs are soft, add the vinegar and a pinch of salt.

2. Increase heat to medium-high and reduce the sauce.

3. Stir occasionally until the sauce becomes thick and glossy, coating each rib.

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6. Serve

Transfer the ribs to a plate and drizzle the remaining sauce on top.
Serve hot with rice—every bite is tender, sweet, sour, and irresistible.

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Tips for Perfect Sweet & Sour Ribs

• Rock sugar gives the dish a beautiful shiny glaze.

• Add the vinegar at the end to preserve its fragrance.

• Reduce the sauce until it forms a sticky caramel coating.

• For extra aroma, add a few drops of sesame oil before serving.