Chinese BBQ sauce for ribs, also known as char siu sauce, boasts a rich history intertwined with China’s culinary heritage. Originating in Guangdong province, this savory-sweet sauce was traditionally used to flavor char siu, a beloved Cantonese barbecue dish featuring marinated pork. Its roots trace back to ancient Chinese cooking methods, where meats were glazed with a combination of honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder before being roasted over an open flame or in a clay oven.
The flavor profile of Chinese BBQ sauce is a delightful balance of sweetness, umami, and aromatic spices. Soy sauce lends its signature salty depth, while hoisin sauce contributes a rich sweetness with hints of garlic and fermented soybeans. Honey or sugar adds a caramelized sweetness, and Chinese five-spice powder infuses the sauce with complex layers of flavor, featuring star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. This harmonious blend creates a sauce that is both savory and subtly sweet, with a depth of flavor that enhances the natural richness of the ribs.
In recent years, Chinese BBQ sauce has gained popularity worldwide, becoming a staple in both home kitchens and professional restaurants. Its versatility allows it to be used not only as a marinade for ribs but also as a glaze for grilled meats, a dipping sauce for dumplings, or a flavorful addition to stir-fries and noodle dishes. Its widespread appeal can be attributed to its irresistible combination of flavors, which transcends cultural boundaries and appeals to a diverse range of palates.
When served with ribs, Chinese BBQ sauce adds a glossy sheen and irresistible aroma to the meat. After marinating the ribs in the sauce to infuse them with flavor, they can be roasted, grilled, or smoked to perfection, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, finger-licking glaze. Whether enjoyed as a casual weeknight meal or showcased at a festive gathering, ribs slathered in Chinese BBQ sauce are sure to tantalize taste buds and leave diners craving more.
Chinese barbecue sauce for ribs
Ingredients
- 1 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste for spice level
- 1/4 cup water or more as needed for consistency
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
- If the sauce is too thick, add water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
- Brush the sauce onto your spare ribs before grilling or baking, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook the spare ribs according to your preferred method until they are tender and cooked through, basting with the sauce occasionally during the cooking process.
- Serve the spare ribs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.