Oyster Sauce Ribs

Prep: 180 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Tender, flavorful ribs glazed with savory oyster sauce and aromatic ginger, perfect for gatherings or weekend feasts, offering a delightful blend of umami and sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 lb. beef or pork back ribs
  • 1 large piece of ginger or 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 6 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. oyster sauce
  • 1/2 cup dark or light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup catsup
  • 10 drops hot pepper sauce

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, boil enough water to cover the ribs.
  2. Place ribs in boiling water and simmer with crushed or ground ginger for 45 minutes.
  3. Using a colander, drain the ribs well.
  4. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark or light brown sugar, catsup, and hot pepper sauce in a bowl and mix well.
  5. Add the ribs to the marinade and soak for 2-3 hours.
  6. Broil or grill the ribs until nicely charred and heated through.

Tips & Substitutions

For maximum flavor, marinate the ribs overnight if you have the time. If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce for a different yet delicious flavor. Consider using ground ginger if you don't have fresh ginger on hand; it's a handy shortcut. Ensure to simmer the ribs gently to keep them tender, as seen in many Chinese recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These oyster sauce ribs are best served with steamed rice or noodles, making them a perfect match for dishes like Ginger Beef Noodle Soup. You can also pair them with a light salad or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. A drizzle of extra hot pepper sauce can enhance the flavor for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain their tenderness and flavor without drying them out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Oyster Sauce Ribs contains roughly 182 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

182 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 43.2g 16% DV
Fiber 11.3g 41% DV
Sugar 18.1g 36% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 419.6mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 19.9mg 22% DV
Calcium 319.8mg 25% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy Shellfish

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 a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pork, beef, or even chicken. However, cooking times may vary slightly; chicken will need less time, while tougher cuts of beef may require longer simmering to become tender.

What if I don't have hot pepper sauce?

If you don't have hot pepper sauce, you can use red pepper flakes or Sriracha as an alternative. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance, as these can vary in heat.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ribs and marinate them a day ahead. Just store them in the refrigerator and broil or grill them when you're ready to serve, ensuring they are heated through.

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).

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