Pork ribs are a classic comfort food that everyone enjoys. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this sweet and spicy pork ribs in oyster sauce recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe combines the richness of oyster sauce with the sweetness of brown sugar and the spiciness of sweet chili sauce, creating a flavor that is hard to resist. In this recipe, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking this mouth-watering dish.
Sweet and Spicy Pork Ribs: A Recipe That Warms the Soul
Whenever I smell the rich, caramelized aroma of sweet and spicy pork ribs wafting through the kitchen, I’m instantly transported to my childhood. My Uncle Berting, who loved experimenting in the kitchen, would cook this dish during our Sunday family gatherings in Pampanga. He’d always say, “The secret to a good dish is not just the ingredients but the love you put into it.” This recipe is a perfect example of that philosophy—simple ingredients combined with time-tested techniques to create something truly comforting and special.
A Dish Rooted in Filipino Love for Flavor
Sweet and spicy pork ribs are a testament to the Filipino palate’s love for balancing flavors. The combination of savory oyster sauce, sweet brown sugar, and just the right kick from sweet chili sauce mirrors the diversity of our cuisine. Pork ribs, with their juicy, flavorful meat, are a classic choice for gatherings or even just quiet family dinners.
While there are variations of this dish across the world, this version highlights the use of oyster sauce—a staple in Filipino kitchens. My sister, Liza, who recently visited Hong Kong, shared how oyster sauce was a culinary gem brought to prominence in Chinese cooking. It made me realize how beautifully we’ve adopted and adapted it into our local dishes, making recipes like this one uniquely ours.
Why Tenderizing Is the Key to Delicious Sweet and Spicy Pork Ribs
When cooking pork ribs, the most important step is ensuring they are tender and juicy. The process starts with boiling the ribs to remove impurities, a tip I picked up from my grandmother, who insisted that this step keeps the sauce clean and the meat flavorful. Once boiled, the ribs are caramelized in brown sugar, creating a deep, smoky sweetness that forms the base of the dish.
Caramelization not only adds flavor but also gives the pork a rich color, making the dish visually appealing. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference. As my cousin Jake, a budding chef, says, “The eyes eat first.”
Cooking with Oyster Sauce: An Umami Bomb
The addition of oyster sauce transforms the dish into something extraordinary. This thick, savory condiment coats the ribs, infusing them with a depth of flavor that is both rich and comforting. A splash of water helps create a sauce that clings to the meat, perfect for pairing with a steaming plate of rice.
Simmering the ribs in this sauce for about an hour ensures the meat becomes fork-tender while absorbing all the flavors. Patience is key here. My mom used to say, “Good food takes time, and the wait always pays off.” Trust me, she’s never been wrong about that.
The Sweet and Spicy Twist
The finishing touch is the sweet chili sauce, which adds a gentle heat that dances on your tongue. This ingredient, though modern, is a clever way to elevate the dish and make it a bit more exciting. I remember the first time my brother tried this version. He took one bite, looked at me, and said, “May bago kang secret ingredient ah! Perfect ‘to!”
Butter is added right before serving, giving the sauce a silky finish. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fried garlic or spring onions for an added layer of texture and flavor.
A Little History, A Lot of Heart
This dish reflects a Filipino family’s love for gatherings and shared meals. It reminds me of fiestas in the province, where food isn’t just sustenance but a way of expressing love and hospitality. Pork ribs, being affordable yet indulgent, often take center stage in these celebrations. The sweet-spicy combination, on the other hand, speaks to our fondness for bold flavors that evoke joy and warmth.
Interestingly, sweet and spicy flavors are not uniquely Filipino but are celebrated across various Asian cuisines. However, what makes this dish distinctly ours is how we prepare it—with patience, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia.
Cooking Sweet and Spicy Pork Ribs at Home
Cooking this dish isn’t as complicated as it seems, making it perfect for beginners. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up something that tastes like home. Even if it’s your first time trying it, you’ll feel like you’ve mastered a recipe passed down through generations.
So next time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, try this sweet and spicy pork ribs recipe. It’s not just food—it’s a story, a memory, and a celebration of flavors that feel like a warm embrace.
And if you happen to serve it at a family dinner, don’t be surprised if someone asks for seconds. Just like my Uncle Berting always said, “Mas masarap kapag may kasamang kwento.”
This dish might seem simple, but its depth of flavor and connection to Filipino culture make it extraordinary. With its sweet, spicy, and savory layers, it’s bound to become a favorite at your dining table, just as it is at ours. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share the love!
How To Cook Sweet and Spicy Pork Ribs in Oyster Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 kilo pork ribs
- 1 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. oyster sauce
- 1 head garlic peeled and crushed
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 pc onion chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- cooking oil for sauteing
Instructions
How To Cook Sweet and Spicy Pork Ribs in Oyster Sauce
- Chop the pork spare ribs into serving pieces or let the meat vendor do it for you.
- Put the pork ribs in a pot and fill with water just enough to cover the ribs. Bring to boil and simmer it for 3 minutes.
- Then remove the pork ribs from the pot and put in a bowl or any container and set it aside.
- Heat 3 Tbsp. of cooking oil in a pan and put the pork ribs. Stir and put the brown sugar while stirring.
- Stir until the pork ribs turns to brown and the sugar caramelizes with the pork ribs.
- Add oyster sauce and oyster sauce and stir for a minute. Then pour water just enough to cover the pork ribs.
- Add onion and cover. Simmer until the pork is tender for about 1 hour. Add more water if necessary or if the pork is not yet tender.
- When the meat is tender and the sauce is reduced, add butter, garlic and salt then stir and cook for a few seconds.
- Add sweet chili sauce and stir cook for a minute then turn off heat.
- Serve hot and garnish with fried garlic or chopped spring onions.
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Boil the Pork Ribs First:
Boiling the pork ribs before cooking them in the sauce ensures that they're cooked through and tender. This also helps to remove any impurities and excess fat from the meat. Be sure to skim off any foam or impurities that float to the top of the water while boiling.Use a Non-Stick Pan:
To prevent the pork ribs from sticking to the pan, it's best to use a non-stick pan when caramelizing them with brown sugar. A non-stick pan will also help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent burning.Adjust the Water Level:
The water level should be just enough to cover the pork ribs when adding it to the sauce. This will ensure that the pork ribs cook evenly and are not overcooked. If the pork ribs are not yet tender, you can add more water as needed and continue to simmer until they are cooked through.Let the Ribs Rest:
After the pork ribs are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to settle. It will also make it easier to handle and cut the pork ribs into serving pieces.Garnish with Fried Garlic or Spring Onions:
Adding a garnish of fried garlic or chopped spring onions will enhance the presentation of the dish and add a pop of color. You can fry the garlic in a separate pan until golden brown and crispy or simply chop up some spring onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.
