Chinese Sparerib Sauce

Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Chinese

Sweet and savory Chinese spareribs glazed with a rich soy and brown sugar sauce, perfect for flavorful family dinners or gatherings with bold tastes.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

  1. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and ginger to make the sauce.
  2. Brush the sauce onto cooked ribs.
  3. Broil the ribs for 5 minutes.
  4. Turn the ribs over and broil for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Use the remaining sauce as a dip when serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker sauce, consider adding more cornstarch mixed with water. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Fresh ginger can be replaced with ground ginger, using about 1/4 teaspoon. To elevate the flavor, you might also add minced garlic or a splash of sesame oil. This sauce works well with other Chinese recipes, enhancing various dishes.

Serving Suggestions

These Chinese spareribs are perfect served with steamed rice or Chinese spinach for a balanced meal. Pair with Marty'S Almost Chinese Vegetables for added color and nutrition. You can also serve the remaining sauce as a dip alongside Nanny'S Dumplings, making for a delightful appetizer or side dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency. If the sauce thickens too much, you can thin it with a little water or broth.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chinese Sparerib Sauce contains roughly 64 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 884mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

64 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 13.6g 5% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 9.7g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 884.2mg 38% DV
Potassium 97.7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 44.8mg 3% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this sauce for other meats?

Absolutely! This versatile sauce can also be used for chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegan option. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. For tofu, marinate it in the sauce before grilling or baking to infuse flavor.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha into the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This will complement the sweet and savory elements beautifully, creating a more dynamic flavor profile.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance! Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as some ingredients may settle. This makes meal prep easier, allowing you to enjoy delicious ribs anytime without the last-minute hassle.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Chinese recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →