Wuxi ribs

• pork spare ribs↗650g g

  cut into 3-4cm lengths (you can also use baby back ribs), washed, rinsed and patted dry

• ground white pepper↗a pinch of
• garlic cloves↗4 large

  finely minced

• yellow bean paste↗2 tbsp tbsp

  or red miso paste

• shaoxing rice wine↗1 tbsp tbsp

  or dry sherry

• dark soy sauce↗1 tbsp tbsp
• groundnut oil

  for deep-frying

• micro chives

  or chives to serve

• light soy sauce↗3 tbsp tbsp
• shaoxing rice wine↗1 tbsp tbsp

  or dry sherry

• chinkiang black rice vinegar↗2 tbsp tbsp
• soft brown sugar↗2 tbsp tbsp
• runny honey↗1 tbsp tbsp

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Put the ribs in a large bowl, season with sea salt and the ground white pepper. Add the garlic, yellow bean paste, shaoxing rice wine and dark soy sauce to create a paste. Mix together well to combine, using your hands to work the marinade into the pork. Put it in the fridge, covered, for 20 mins to let the ribs marinate.

2. 2

   Heat a wok or heavy-based saucepan over high heat and fill just less than half-full with the groundnut oil. Heat to 180C or until a cube of bread dropped in turns golden brown in 30 secs. Drain the ribs of the marinade. Using a spider or slotted spoon, carefully lower the ribs and shallow fry for 7-8 mins or until browned. Gently turn them to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove them and drain on kitchen paper. Do this in batches until all the ribs are cooked.

3. 3

   In a small jug, combine all the ingredients for the sweet and sour sauce, mixing well with a fork or whisk and set aside.

4. 4

   Put the wok or a large frying pan over a high heat. Add the ribs and pour in the sauce, cooking on medium heat for 5-6 mins or until the sauce has reduced to a sticky consistency. Garnish with the micro chives and serve immediately, accompanied with some stir-fried greens and jasmine rice, if you like.