Spicy and Sweet Braised Pork Ribs
Recreating Ryu Soo-young’s Spicy Pork Ribs from ‘Shik Restaurant’
I decided to try making the pork ribs recipe by chef Ryu Soo-young from the popular show ‘Shik Restaurant’. It’s a delicious dish with a wonderful balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, perfect for a home-cooked meal!
Main Ingredients
- 3kg Pork Ribs (Prepare a generous amount!)
Ryu Soo-young’s Special Spicy Sauce
- 5 Tbsp Sugar (Adds a beautiful glaze to the ribs)
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar (Removes any gamey odor and enhances savory notes)
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Forms the base of the deep flavor)
- 5 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (Adds a rich umami flavor)
- 7 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for the spicy kick)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (For a robust aroma)
- 3 Tbsp Ketchup (Adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess)
- 1L Water (Enough to cover the ribs, or start with 500ml and add more)
- Plenty of Black Pepper (To remove odor and enhance flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (For a nutty finish)
- 5 Tbsp Sugar (Adds a beautiful glaze to the ribs)
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar (Removes any gamey odor and enhances savory notes)
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Forms the base of the deep flavor)
- 5 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (Adds a rich umami flavor)
- 7 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for the spicy kick)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (For a robust aroma)
- 3 Tbsp Ketchup (Adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess)
- 1L Water (Enough to cover the ribs, or start with 500ml and add more)
- Plenty of Black Pepper (To remove odor and enhance flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (For a nutty finish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the pork ribs under cold water to remove any blood. Then, sear them on both sides over high heat until nicely browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 2
Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt over the ribs while searing. This will lightly season them and make them even more delicious.
Step 3
Since we’re using 3kg of ribs, I seared them in two batches. Once seared, gather all the ribs into a large pot or Dutch oven where you’ll be braising them.
Step 4
Evenly sprinkle 5 tablespoons of sugar over the seared ribs. The sugar will melt into the hot meat, creating a delicious coating.
Step 5
Gently mix the ribs to coat them evenly with the melting sugar. The ribs will start to look glossy and appetizing.
Step 6
Now, add 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 5 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 5 tablespoons of anchovy sauce. The traditional method involves adding these to the sides of the pot and letting them simmer before mixing, but with this large quantity, I added them all together. Ensure the sauce coats the ribs well.
Step 7
Simmer over high heat until the soy sauce has coated the ribs. Then, add 7 tablespoons of gochugaru and mix thoroughly. (The original recipe calls for 3 tablespoons, but I adjusted it for the larger batch.)
Step 8
After adding the gochugaru, the color of the sauce will dramatically change to a rich, appetizing red. Doesn’t it look delicious?
Step 9
Add 2 heaping tablespoons of minced garlic to infuse a robust aroma.
Step 10
Stir in 3 tablespoons of ketchup for a touch of sweetness and tanginess. This will make it appealing even to children.
Step 11
Pour in enough water to cover the ribs. Since we have a large quantity, I added about 1 liter of water. (The original recipe suggests 500ml, but I adjusted it based on the amount of ingredients.)
Step 12
Add a generous amount of black pepper. This helps to eliminate any gamey smell and further enhances the flavor.
Step 13
Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Start on high heat, and once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently until the ribs are tender. This slow simmering process is key to achieving tender meat.
Step 14
Braise for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the ribs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Step 15
In between, lift the lid occasionally to stir the ribs and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You’ll see the sauce reducing and becoming more concentrated.
Step 16
After simmering for about 50 minutes, and once the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency, your delicious spicy and sweet braised pork ribs will be ready! The glossy finish makes them look incredibly appetizing.
Step 17
Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish. Enjoy your magnificent spicy pork ribs!
