Flavorful & Tender Pork Ribs with Balsamic Glaze
Decadent Balsamic Pork Ribs: A Restaurant-Worthy Dish for Special Occasions
Indulge in the delightful texture of tender pork ribs, perfectly coated in a homemade, mouthwatering balsamic glaze. This recipe for ‘Pork Ribs with Balsamic Glaze’ offers a unique sweet and tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible. Served alongside honey-butter baked sweet potatoes and a fresh salad, it’s a meal that balances indulgence with health. Elevate your home dining experience!
Main Ingredients- Pork ribs, 2 servings (approx. 500-600g)
- Bay leaves, 5-6
- Whole peppercorns, 15
- Sweet potato, 1 medium
- Avocado, 1
- Fresh salad greens (e.g., okra, or your preference)
- Unsalted butter, 2 Tbsp
- Honey, 1 Tbsp
- Rice water (enough to cover ribs; plain water can be substituted)
Special Balsamic Sauce- Olive oil, 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Minced ginger, 0.5 Tbsp
- Balsamic vinegar, 7 Tbsp
- Soy sauce, 1.3 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (e.g., mirin), 1 Tbsp
- Ketchup, 2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Dried chili or crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (adjust for spice)
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup (or light corn syrup), 3 Tbsp
- Water, 1 cup (200ml)
- Olive oil, 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Minced ginger, 0.5 Tbsp
- Balsamic vinegar, 7 Tbsp
- Soy sauce, 1.3 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (e.g., mirin), 1 Tbsp
- Ketchup, 2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Dried chili or crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (adjust for spice)
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup (or light corn syrup), 3 Tbsp
- Water, 1 cup (200ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 2 servings of fresh pork ribs. Soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess blood.
Step 2
Place the rinsed pork ribs in a pot. Add enough rice water to fully cover the ribs. If rice water is unavailable, plain water is a perfectly fine substitute.
Step 3
Add the bay leaves (5-6) and whole peppercorns (about 15) to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for approximately 50 minutes, or until the ribs are tender. Ensuring the ribs are thoroughly cooked and soft is key.
Step 4
While the ribs are simmering, prepare the side dishes. Remove the pit and peel the avocado, then slice it thinly.
Step 5
Wash the salad greens thoroughly and pat them dry. Scrub the sweet potato clean, keeping the skin on for baking.
Step 6
Preheat your oven to 180-200°C (350-400°F). Place the scrubbed sweet potato in the oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until a fork inserts easily. Baked sweet potatoes add a wonderful sweetness.
Step 7
In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the balsamic sauce: 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp minced ginger, 7 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1.3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 2 Tbsp ketchup, a pinch of black pepper and salt, and dried chili or crushed red pepper flakes to your liking for heat. Finally, add 1 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp corn syrup, and 1 cup of water. Mix well.
Step 8
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer the sauce gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a glaze consistency. Be careful not to let it burn. This process concentrates the sweet and tangy flavors.
Step 9
Once the ribs are tender, drain them well in a colander. Arrange the cooked ribs attractively on a serving plate. Generously spoon the warm, thickened balsamic glaze over the ribs, letting the glossy sauce coat each piece.
Step 10
Take the warm baked sweet potato and make a slit down the center. Gently open it and fill the slit with 2 Tbsp of butter and 1 Tbsp of honey. As the sweet potato cools slightly, the butter and honey will melt and seep into the fluffy interior, creating a delightful sweet filling.
Step 11
Since the ribs are already tender from boiling, there’s no need to pan-sear or further reduce them in the sauce. Simply pouring the prepared balsamic glaze over the boiled ribs is sufficient. The sauce beautifully infuses the meat, resulting in a perfectly balanced and delicious dish.
Step 12
Arrange the fresh salad greens and the prepared honey-butter sweet potato alongside the glazed ribs on the plate. The vibrant colors and fresh components complement the rich pork beautifully.
Step 13
This dish, with its flavorful balsamic ribs, fresh salad, and sweet potatoes, is not only delicious but also well-balanced nutritionally, making it a great option even for low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diets. Enjoy this wonderful meal for a special occasion or to make any day feel extraordinary!
