Mom’s Spare Ribs

After my disappointment with pork ribs a few weeks ago, into the freezer went the second package of pork spare ribs I’d purchased.  But a few days ago, I’d decided to give it another go, with my mom’s recipe this time- the one I’d grown up eating, and was thrilled to find out how easy they are to make. 

All I did was blend up a mixture of “hoisin sauce” (Lee Kum Kee brand- that’s what it says on the label, though it translates to “seafood sauce”), soy sauce, sesame oil, and kosher salt in a gallon size Ziploc bag, then tossed the ribs in there until they were coated with the yummy goodness.  I lay it out flat in the fridge and wound up marinating for around 8 hours, though my mom said that at least 4 hours up to overnight, and it’d be fine (if you’re pressed for time, she suggested adding a bit more salt).  I flipped the bag over a few times as we went, as well.

Finally, I turned the oven to 375 and baked for about an hour or so.  Halfway through, I flipped them, and when they started looking just about done, I brushed them with a hoisin sauce, soy sauce and honey mixture, generously and thickly, then let that crisp up and cook in the oven a bit.  Beautiful! 

Before I made these, I hadn’t realized there are tons of variations out there on the internet.  Apparently, you can make them spicy (Tabasco or chili oil) or add ginger, garlic, whatever.  Loads of different kinds out there.  I’d have preferred to serve these over white rice, and drizzle more glaze over the ribs, which were meaty, chewy and sweet, but I *gasp* ran out of white rice… so I had to use a random package of Rice-a-roni leftover from the days of quick quick quick cooking (pre-rice-cooker era as well).  Mmm, yummy!

HAPPY EATING!!!