Spicy and Sweet Braised Pork Back Ribs (돼지 등갈비찜)
This is a recipe for spicy and sweet braised pork back ribs, made by gently simmering tender pork back ribs with various seasonings.
📝 Editor's Notes
Hello! Today, I'm introducing a recipe for spicy and sweet braised pork back ribs (돼지 등갈비찜) that the whole family can enjoy. The tender ribs, soaked in delicious seasoning, will be an absolute 'rice thief.' While it may seem complex, it's not as difficult as it looks once you get into it. With fresh ribs and a few seasonings, you can make wonderful braised ribs at home. Using my tips will help you achieve an even tastier result. So, shall we make some delicious braised pork back ribs together?
🛒 Ingredient Tips
When choosing pork back ribs, it's important to select fresh ones with a good amount of meat around the bones and a vibrant pink color. Purchasing ribs with the silverskin removed will save you the hassle of trimming. The pear juice drink in the sauce helps tenderize the meat and adds a natural sweetness. Chunjang (춘장) is a very important ingredient for the savory depth and rich color of the braised ribs, so be sure to include it. Lastly, beef dashida (다시다) is a secret ingredient that enhances the umami, so don't forget to prepare it.
🔄 Substitution Guide
If pork back ribs are hard to find or if you prefer other meats, you can use pork neck or beef ribs with the same seasoning; they will still be delicious. However, cooking time will need to be adjusted based on the type and thickness of the meat. Instead of pear juice drink, you can use 'Gal-a-manduen Bae' (갈아만든 배, a Korean crushed pear drink) or blend fresh pears yourself. If chunjang (춘장) is unavailable, a mixture of doenjang (된장) and gochujang (고추장) can provide a deep flavor, but the unique aroma of chunjang may differ slightly. Instead of beef dashida (다시다), you can use anchovy dashida or other types of seasoning, but note that the depth of umami may vary.
🥘 Ingredients
👨🍳 Cooking Points
The most crucial point in this recipe is effectively removing the gamey odor from the ribs. Placing the ribs directly into a pot with whole peppercorns, whole garlic, and soju (소주) and boiling for 10 minutes significantly helps. After boiling, thoroughly rinsing the ribs under cold water removes any remaining impurities, resulting in a clean and savory taste. For the sauce, finely mincing the vegetables and pear juice drink in a food processor is the secret to a smooth texture. Finally, simmering the seasoned ribs over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, is key to allowing the sauce to permeate evenly.
👨🍳 Directions
- 1
Place 2 packs (total 2.87 lbs) of pork back ribs into a pot with water, without pre-washing.
- 2
Add whole peppercorns, whole garlic cloves, and a splash of soju (소주) to remove any gamey odor, and boil for 10 minutes.
- 3
Rinse the boiled pork back ribs thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities remaining on the surface.
- 4
Roughly chop 1 onion, 1 stalk of green onion, and 4 Cheongyang chili peppers (청양고추), then place them into a food processor.
- 5
Add 1 cup of pear juice drink and blend until finely minced.
- 6
Transfer the finely minced onion, green onion, Cheongyang chili peppers (청양고추), and pear juice mixture to a mixing bowl.
- 7
Add chunjang (춘장), 3.3 tbsp of mirin (맛술), 4.6 tbsp of soy sauce, 1.3 tbsp of sesame oil, 2 tbsp of sugar, 1/4 cup of gochugaru (고춧가루), 4 tbsp of minced garlic, and 8 g of beef dashida (다시다) to the bowl. Stir well until all the seasonings are evenly mixed.
- 8
While the pork back ribs are boiling, carefully skim off any foam and impurities that rise to the surface.
- 9
Add the boiled and thoroughly rinsed pork back ribs to the prepared seasoning sauce. Mix well to ensure the sauce coats the ribs evenly and penetrates the meat.
- 10
Place the seasoned pork back ribs into a pot. Pour in 2 cups of water to prevent the sauce from burning and to allow it to permeate the ribs thoroughly.
- 11
Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
- 12
Occasionally open the lid and stir to ensure the sauce is evenly absorbed.
- 13
Once the braised pork back ribs are done, transfer them to a nice serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
💡 Tips
Purchasing pork back ribs with the silverskin removed will make preparation much easier.
For hygiene, it's best to boil pork back ribs immediately without pre-washing. However, after boiling, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove impurities for a clean and savory taste free of gamey odor.
Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure the sauce is well absorbed.
📦 Storage & Reuse
Store leftover braised pork back ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a microwave or pot before serving. If you wish to store them longer, I recommend portioning them into single servings and freezing. They can be stored for about 2 weeks in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave. When reheating, add a little water to keep them moist.
🥢 Who This Is For
These spicy and sweet braised pork back ribs are a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age. It's great as a hearty meal, a dish for entertaining guests, or a main course for special occasions. Especially when eaten with warm rice, it's truly a 'rice thief.' If children are eating, you can adjust or omit the Cheongyang chili peppers (청양고추) to make it a delicious meal for the whole family. It also pairs wonderfully with alcoholic beverages, so try making it for a weekend dinner.
🔥 Nutrition Info
Pork back ribs are rich in protein, which aids in muscle formation and maintenance. They also contain B vitamins, contributing to fatigue relief and energy production. Various vegetables like onions, green onions, garlic, and Cheongyang chili peppers provide vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, boosting immunity and digestive health. Gochugaru (고춧가루) contains capsaicin, which promotes metabolism, and pear juice drink contains enzymes that aid digestion and tenderize meat. However, due to sugar and chunjang (춘장), the sugar and sodium content can be somewhat high, so it's advisable to adjust the amount of seasoning if you are mindful of your health.
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