Delicious Chinese-Inspired Sticky Spare Ribs
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Craving irresistible sticky spare ribs? Discover this easy, Chinese-inspired recipe packed with bold flavors and a mouthwatering glaze.
"Chinese-inspired sticky spare ribs are tender, oven-baked pork ribs coated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and Chinese five-spice, then baked until caramelized and glossy, served with rice, noodles, or vegetables."
Growing up in Guyana, one of my favorite meals my mom made for us was her Chinese-style spare ribs served alongside a big plate of chow mein. That combination—sticky ribs, savory noodles, and bold flavors—was pure comfort food in our house. While this recipe isn’t my mom’s exact original version, it’s deeply inspired by those memories, and it’s one we truly enjoy making at home today.
These Chinese-inspired spare ribs are jam-packed with flavor thanks to five-spice powder, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey, creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes. They bake up tender in the oven and are finished under the broiler for that irresistible sticky, caramelized coating.
Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is always a hit—the kids absolutely love them, and trust me, once you try them, you will too.
Love this recipe? Be sure to check out: Oven-Baked BBQ Pork Ribs , Oven-Baked Chinese Chicken , and Homemade Crispy Fried Chicken for more easy, flavorful dinners!
Why You’ll Love These Chinese-Inspired Spare Ribs
Bold, sticky-sweet flavor with savory depth.
Oven-baked and easy to make at home.
Inspired by Caribbean-Chinese comfort food.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.
Tiffany’s Tips for Perfect Sticky Ribs
Adjust the spice: Love heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili oil to the sauce.
Make them stickier: For an extra glossy, sticky finish, add a little more honey to the pan sauce before broiling.
Don’t skip the broil: This step helps caramelize the sauce and gives the ribs that deep, rich color.
Watch closely: Broiling happens fast— keep an eye on the ribs to prevent burning.
What to Serve with Chinese-Inspired Spare Ribs
Rice: Steamed white rice or fried rice is a classic pairing.
Noodles: Chow mein or lo mein pairs beautifully with the sticky sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Herb-roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans add balance.
Mashed Potatoes: A fun and unexpected fusion option.
Salad: A fresh salad with tropical fruits brings brightness to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days .
Freezer: Freeze cooked ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the air fryer for a quicker option. Add a little extra sauce if needed.
FAQ
Can I make these ribs ahead of time? Yes! You can marinate the ribs up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
Can I use spare ribs instead of rib tips? Absolutely—this recipe works well with spare ribs, baby back ribs, or rib tips.
Do I need dark soy sauce? Dark soy sauce adds depth and color, but you can substitute low-sodium soy sauce if needed.
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Delicious Chinese-Inspired Sticky Spare Ribs
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yeild: 10-15 pieces
Description
These sticky Ribs are the perfect balance between sweet and savory. They are tender and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
For Cleaning the Ribs:
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/2 lemon Juice
For the Ribs:
- 2 lbs spare rib tips
For Marinate:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 ½-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and diced
- 6 scallions (green onions)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce:
- ½ cup pan gravy (drippings from the baking pan)
- 1.5 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp browning sauce
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Clean and Prep the Ribs
- 1Rinse the pork rib tips with the vinegar, lemon juice, and water. This helps remove impurities and lightly tenderizes the meat while allowing the natural flavor to shine through. Pat the ribs completely dry with paper towels and set aside. Season with chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- 1In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, ginger, scallions, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, five-spice powder, red pepper flakes and browning sauce. Blend until smooth.
- 2Coat the ribs evenly with the marinade, ensuring all sides are well covered. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 3: Bake Rib
- 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the seasoned ribs in a baking dish or on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, positioning the meaty side facing up.
- 2Bake the ribs uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the surface to begin browning. Carefully flip the ribs and continue baking for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
- 3Carefully pour ½ cup of the pan drippings from the baking pan into a small saucepan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 4: Make the Pan Sauce
- 1Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk together the pan drippings, honey, browning sauce, salt, and cornstarch until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Sauce and Broil
- 1Spoon the pan sauce evenly over the ribs, allowing it to coat the surface. Switch the oven setting to broil (high) and return the ribs to the oven. Broil for 2–4 minutes, watching closely, until the ribs develop a deep, rich color with a beautifully caramelized finish
Step 6: Serve
- 1Serve the ribs hot with your favorite sides. I especially love pairing them with fried rice, fluffy white rice, and roasted vegetables for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~500 kcal
- Protein: ~40 g
- Fat: ~30 g
- Carbohydrates: ~35 g
Category: Lunch
Keywords:
oven baked pork rib tips, baked pork rib tips recipe, sticky oven baked ribs, pork rib tips in the oven, easy oven baked rib tips, baked rib tips with sauce, pork rib tips recipe oven
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