Caramelized Pork Riblets

Caramelized Pork Riblets

Caramelized Pork Riblets

Caramelized pork ribs is a classic Vietnamese dish. It is fairly simple to make. I decided to use pork riblets, since they are $1.99lb. You can use spare ribs or baby back as well. Make sure to cut them in-between the bones to help speed up the cooking process.
One of the most important steps in making the ribs is to blanch them for a couple of minutes before marinating. If this step is skipped, your ribs will have a layer of scum film over them. I’ve noticed this step is used in pretty much all Asian cuisine when braising pork ribs. This gives the pork a “cleaner” taste and presentation.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keyword: main course, Pork, Vietnamese
Servings: 2
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork riblets
  • 1 large shallot minced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp pork boullion
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 1 green onion chopped

Instructions

  • Cut the pork riblets into individual bite sized pieces in-between the bone.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Place the riblets into a pot of boiling water for 3 minutes. This will allow the scum and other impurities to float to the top.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Drain the riblets and run under cold water, individually washing each riblets of any scum film.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • In a large bowl, mix together the shallots, garlic, pork bouillon, fish sauce, black pepper, and 1 tbsp of sugar.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Add in the riblets, among sure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • In a large sauce pan over medium heat, add 2 tbsp of sugar.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Constantly stir the sugar until it starts to caramelize. Make sure it doesn’t burn.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Stir in the marinated riblets with all of the juices and marinade. Add 1 cup of coconut water.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • Bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork
  • After the 30 minutes is up, uncover the sauce pan and simmer for at least another 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Garnish with green onion.
    Vietnamese, main Course, pork
  • Enjoy with a side of chili oil stir fried rice noodles.
    Vietnamese, main course, pork