Sweet & Sour Ribs

Sweet & Sour Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with delicious flavor. The ribs are seasoned, browned, and slowly cooked until perfectly tender, then coated in a rich, glossy sweet and tangy sauce.

Ingredients

For the Ribs

• 2½ to 3 pounds pork ribs
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Optional Garnishes

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Pineapple chunks

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

If necessary, remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.

Let the ribs rest for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 2: Brown the Ribs

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ribs and brown them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. You do not need to cook them completely at this stage.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Bake the Ribs

Preheat your oven to 325°F.

Place the browned ribs in a large baking dish or oven-safe pan.

Pour about two-thirds of the sweet and sour sauce over the ribs, reserving the remaining sauce for later.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid.

Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the ribs are very tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bones.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth.

Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce while stirring continuously.

Cook for about 2 to 4 minutes, until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and slightly sticky.

Step 6: Glaze the Ribs

Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully uncover them.

Brush or spoon the thickened sweet and sour sauce generously over the ribs.

For a caramelized finish, place the ribs under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent the sauce from burning.

Step 7: Serve

Allow the ribs to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting.

Slice the ribs between the bones and drizzle with extra sweet and sour sauce.

Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or pineapple chunks if desired.

Serve hot with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Enjoy!