“Crispy Char Siu Bones” is a delicious and popular Chinese dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of char siu (Chinese barbecue pork) with crispy, succulent pork ribs…do you wanna know how to cook it at home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you cook this dish to perfection:

Ingredients:

• Pork Ribs: 2 lbs (1 kg)
• Marinade:
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey or corn syrup
  • 1 tbsp five-spice powder
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
• Coating:
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For Frying:
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Ziplock bag or airtight container for marinating
• Deep fryer or large pot for frying
• Wire rack for draining

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Ribs

1. Trim the Ribs: Trim the ribs into manageable pieces, about 2-3 inches long.
2. Marinate the Ribs: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the pork ribs and mix well to coat. Transfer the ribs to a ziplock bag or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Ribs

1. Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coat the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the marinade and shake off any excess. Dip each piece of rib into the coating mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Shake off any excess coating.

Step 3: Fry the Ribs

1. Heat the Oil: Fill a deep fryer or large pot with enough vegetable oil to cover the ribs. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the Ribs: Carefully place the coated ribs into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ribs and drain them on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Reheat the Marinade: In a small saucepan, heat the leftover marinade over medium heat until it thickens slightly. This will give the ribs an extra burst of flavor.
2. Glaze the Ribs: Brush the thickened marinade over the fried ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Serve: Arrange the crispy char siu bones on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Char Siu Bones:

• Marinating Time: Longer marinating time (overnight) will result in more flavorful ribs.
• Coating Consistency: Ensure the coating mixture is evenly distributed on the ribs to achieve a crispy texture.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to ensure the ribs cook evenly and become crispy without being greasy.
• Draining: Use a wire rack to drain the excess oil from the fried ribs to keep them crispy.
• Glazing: Brush the ribs with the thickened marinade just before serving to add extra flavor and a glossy finish.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy char siu bones! If you have any specific preferences or need further adjustments, feel free to let me know.