Chinese spare ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender with deep flavors of honey, hoisin, and five-spice powder.
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Chinese spare ribs are made in the crock pot and come out so tender and delicious, better than in any take-out restaurant. Smothered in a flavorful sauce that becomes a delicious, finger-licking sticky glaze! If you love Chinese flavors as much as we do you’ll have to check out my Chinese BBQ Pork.
Why this recipe works
I love ribs especially the ones in Chinese restaurants. Super tender with a sticky delicious sauce, once you start hard to stop! These are great for game day appetizers or my Easy Oven BBQ Baked Ribs. These Chinese spare ribs come out so tender cooked in a slow cooker.
Ingredient Notes
- Ribs: I use St Loius style ribs and I have the butcher cut my ribs into riblets, but baby back ribs will also work like my Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Ribs.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce can also be used.
- Brown sugar: I use dark but light brown sugar will also work.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds a unique layer of flavor that can not be replaced.
How to make this recipe
- Step 1– Add all the sauce ingredients into a small bowl and mix.
- Step 2-Cut the ribs up into riblets.
- Step 3– Toss the ribs and the sauce together.
- Step 4-Place the riblets into the crockpot.
- Step 5-Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high 4-5 hours.
- Step 6– Place the riblets onto a foil lined baking sheet and brush sauce over each one and broil.
Recipe tips
- Red food coloring is optional but adding the red food coloring gives the sauce a deep rich color like what you would get at your local Chinese takeout.
- You can leave the ribs whole, I just prefer to have them cut especially if serving for an appetizer.
- Broiling them for the last few minutes helps the sauce caramelize just a tad, giving them the perfect texture.
- Add a little of your favorite barbecue sauce if you prefer before broiling.
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil over the top for a nice twist.