The Originators of Quick & Easy Cooking!


Game Day Recipes: 30 Best Munchies for a Crowd
Bonus: Get our newsletter & special offers for free. We will not share or sell your email address. View our Privacy Policy
Chinese Spareribs

- SERVES
- 4
- COOK TIME
- 1 Hr 30 Min
Most people count this staple among their favorite Chinese pork recipes, but haven't tried to re-create it at home. Why not give it a try? You'll see that it's easier than you thought to make Chinese Spareribs.
What You'll Need
- 2 (10-1/2-ounce) cans condensed beef broth
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red food color (see Notes)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 pounds pork baby back ribs
What to Do
- In a 9" x 13" baking dish, combine all ingredients except the ribs; mix well. Add ribs, turning to coat well with the marinade. Cover and chill overnight, or at least 4 hours, turning occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 450 degree F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place spareribs on baking sheet; reserve marinade for basting.
- Bake 15 minutes then reduce heat to 350 degree F. and bake 1 to 1-1/4 hours, or until ribs are tender and glaze is crispy, basting occasionally with reserved marinade. Cut into individual ribs and serve.
Notes
- In most Chinese-American restaurants, red food color is used to give these spareribs their bright color.
- Looking for more traditional Chinese food recipes you can easily make at home? Don't miss our collection of 39 Takeout Dishes to Make at Home: Easy Chinese Recipes, which includes other favorite Chinese restaurant appetizers, like Chicken Egg Rolls.

lwoodhead 0568400
Nov 13, 2018
I wonder if you could marinate pork steaks for this recipe?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Test Kitchen Team
Nov 14, 2018
Hey there! Yes, you can marinate pork steaks. The cooking time will be less, about 45 to 60 minutes or until tender. Hope this helps!
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

RHONDAPASCALI 2228952
Jan 28, 2013
I use my saved jar of marrichino cherry "juice" which comes out exactly the color of the ribs you see in Restaurants. Marinate overnite - no need for food coloring or honey it's sweet enough. Another great way to get them to fall off the bone is to wrap them in Heavy Duty Reynolds wrap. Entire slab of ribs no cutting first. Let them cook through 1.5 hr. You'll be able to cut them with a butter knife!
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Chef Red Salas
Sep 13, 2012
When I saw this recipe I started laughing. I remember a Bruce Lee movie when I was a boy. The bad guys go into a restaurant. This black guy says, "I would like some Chinese Spareribs. I didnt know there really was such a meal. LOL
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

grannyblu
Jun 01, 2012
Good recipe if you want a little "heat" try a dash of red pepper flakes NOT Cayenne
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
msrose806 7609296
Apr 10, 2012
I don't think it's wise to use the left over marinade the raw meat was in without cooking (simmering) it for at least 10-15 minutes first.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
theresa4601
Jan 28, 2013
also simmering will thicken it up, concentrating the flavor a bit
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
SUNSHINEPLUS9859 5585891
Feb 18, 2012
looks good can i freeze thnese ribs???
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
trader1969 0557336
Apr 08, 2011
Would be mo better with some cayenne in the recipe
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

DebKam
Apr 08, 2011
I made these twice, and after removing the skin on the back I cut the ribs into 2 bone sections. The first time I followed the recipe exactly and they were really good, although a bit chewy, almost on the tough side (I like my ribs almost falling off the bone, and I know Chinese ribs aren't like that). Second time I brought them to a boil in plain water then simmered 30 minutes before adding them to the marinade. Much more tender. Either way, these top most restaurants! Definitely a keeper.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Report Inappropriate Comment
Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.
Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.
LATEST TV RECIPE & VIDEO
Chilled Beefed-Up Summer Salad
When the heat of summer has us turning away from comfort foods, we like to turn to recipes like this Chilled Beefed-Up Summer Salad. And, since salad is only as good as the dressing that goes on it, you can bet we've paired this beefy summer salad with the perfect, homemade, creamy horseradish dressing to make this extra mm..mm..tasty!