Wuxi Spare Ribs

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 kg pork ribs, individually halved
• ½ cup soy sauce, preferably Chinese, such as Woh Hup
• ½ cup water
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 1 piece(s) ginger root, to taste
• 6 cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 bunch of spring onions
• 2 chili peppers, red, fresh, to taste
• 2 tbsp sesame oil, brown, roasted

Instructions

Working time approx. 30 minutes; Total time approx. 30 minutes

Chinese pork ribs from Shanghai

Boil pork ribs in water for about 1 hour, then discard the broth. This is a great way to treat hungry cats or dogs. Place soy sauce and water in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add sugar, cloves, star anise, a pinch of salt, and peeled fresh ginger (to taste, coarse, chopped) and bring to a boil with the pre-cooked ribs. Cover and cook for half an hour, then add spring onions (cut into 5cm pieces) and freshly chopped chili (to taste), and continue cooking uncovered. Cook for another 30-60 minutes, depending on the ribs. Turn the ribs frequently during the entire cooking time. Before serving (if possible over steamed green vegetables (bok choi or kale)), garnish with half a teaspoon of sesame oil. It also tastes delicious reheated.