
Delicious Asian-Style Boiled Pork Ribs
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs8gram
Fat20gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Pork ribs (cut into segments) - choose fresh, light pink color with firm texture800 g
- Water1.5 L
- Garlic cloves, lightly crushed5 piece
- Fresh ginger, sliced (helps tenderize and adds aroma)3 slices
- Star anise2 piece
- Soy sauce (light) - for flavor and color3 tbsp
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional) - adds depth of flavor2 tbsp
- Brown sugar or rock sugar (balances saltiness)1 tbsp
- Green onions (scallions) for garnish, chopped2 piece
- Salt to tasteto taste n/a
- White pepper powder (optional)a pinch n/a

This recipe for Asian-style boiled pork ribs is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for everyday home cooks looking to enjoy tender and juicy pork ribs without complicated techniques. Using common ingredients like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and star anise, this dish delivers an aromatic and delicious broth that infuses the ribs with taste. The total cost for ingredients is approximately $8 USD, €7, £6, and ₹640, making it budget-friendly. The dish yields 4 servings, with about 350 kcal per serving, suitable for a balanced diet. The cooking process is easy, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes total, making it accessible even for beginners. Food safety is emphasized, with instructions to cook the pork ribs to an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F) to ensure safe consumption, and tips on safe handling to avoid cross-contamination.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the pork ribs
1Rinse the pork ribs under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels. This helps remove any surface blood and impurities, improving the final taste and appearance. Ensure your hands and work surfaces are clean to avoid cross-contamination. This step takes about 5 minutes.
Blanch the ribs
2Place the ribs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and let it boil for 5 minutes. This step helps remove scum and impurities from the meat. Afterwards, drain the water and rinse ribs under warm water to clean off any residue. Cook time: about 10 minutes including draining.
Prepare the aromatic broth
3In a clean pot, add 1.5 liters of water along with the garlic cloves, ginger slices, star anise, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. This aromatic broth will infuse the pork ribs with flavor.
Simmer the pork ribs
4Add the blanched pork ribs into the simmering broth. Reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let cook for 1 hour or until ribs are tender and cooked through. Occasionally skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clean. Cooking time is about 1 hour.
Check doneness and safety
5Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork ribs have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F). The ribs should be tender and easy to pierce with a fork. Maintaining safe temperature ensures all harmful bacteria are eliminated.
Add seasoning and serve
6Taste the broth and season with salt and a pinch of white pepper powder as desired. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your tender and flavorful Asian-style boiled pork ribs.
Cooking Tips
1If you prefer spicier broth, add a sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes during simmering.
2For a sweeter broth, increase brown sugar to 2 tablespoons.
3To save time, you can use a pressure cooker and cook ribs for about 30 minutes.
4Always use a clean plate and utensils for cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot with lid
- Meat thermometer
- Strainer or colander
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring spoon
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Pork ribs (approximately 800g) - $5 (Choose fresh, firm, light pink ribs with minimal smell)
- [ ] Garlic (5 cloves) - $0.30 (Fresh, firm bulbs with no sprouts)
- [ ] Fresh ginger (1 small piece) - $0.50 (Smooth skin, fragrant aroma)
- [ ] Star anise (small packet) - $1 (Check for whole, unbroken pods)
- [ ] Soy sauce (light, 150ml) - $1.50 (Look for natural fermented soy sauce)
- [ ] Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional, 100ml) - $1.50 (Optional for flavor depth)
- [ ] Brown sugar or rock sugar (small packet) - $0.50 (Prefer unrefined for better flavor)
- [ ] Green onions (2 stalks) - $0.30 (Fresh, bright green and firm)
Total approximate cost: $10.60
FAQ
Can I use pork ribs straight from the freezer?
It's best to thaw pork ribs completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety. Using frozen ribs can result in uneven cooking.
How do I know when pork ribs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork ribs should reach at least 71°C (160°F) for safe consumption. The meat should also be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Can I substitute pork ribs with other meats?
Yes, you can use chicken wings or beef ribs, but cooking times will vary. Adjust the simmering time accordingly and ensure meats reach their safe internal temperatures.
Is it necessary to blanch the ribs before boiling them?
Blanching helps remove impurities and blood from the ribs, resulting in clearer broth and better flavor. Skipping this step may cause a cloudy broth and stronger meat odor.