Ingredients

  • 2 lbs lean pork spareribs, cut into single ribs
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon black soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese red vinegar or 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine or 1 tablespoon dry sherry
  • 12 cup water

Method

  • Trim excess fat from the spareribs.
  • Rinse in cold water and pat dry with paper towels until almost dry to the touch.
  • Place the spareribs in a 3 quart saucepan.
  • Sprinkle them with sugar and toss to combine.
  • Marinate 30 minutes.
  • Pour off excess liquid.
  • Mix the regular and black soy sauces, vinegar, ketchup, rice wine, and 1/2 cup cold water in a bowl and pour over the spare ribs.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat, covered.
  • Reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally to make sure the sauce does not dry up (add a little water, if necessary) for 1 hour, or until the spareribs are tender when pierced with a knife and the sauce is thick enough to lightly coat a spoon.
  • Transfer to a plate and skim excess fat from the sauce.
  • Pour sauce over the spareribs.
  • Serve immediately.