Crispy Spare Ribs Recipe

The spare ribs are crispy to the bone, crispy and delicious.

389 4 minutes read

If you love crispy, flavorful, and juicy pork ribs, this recipe is for you! These Crispy Spare Ribs have a crunchy golden coating on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they pair wonderfully with dipping sauces, rice, or even a fresh salad.

The secret to achieving that perfect crispiness lies in the marination, coating, and frying technique. Wash the spare ribs under cold running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut them into bite-sized pieces (if they aren’t already pre-cut). This makes them easier to cook and eat.

In a large mixing bowl, add the pork ribs. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and rice wine for deeper flavour. Crack in one egg and mix well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Finally, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and mix again. This helps the marinade stick better to the meat. Cover the bowl and let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavour). In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.

The combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch ensures a super crispy texture. After marinating, take each rib and coat it well in the flour mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the ribs so it sticks properly. In a deep frying pan or wok, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat (around 170-180°C / 340-360°F).

You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of coated flour—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Carefully place the ribs into the hot oil one by one, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (this ensures they fry evenly). Fry in batches for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the ribs turn golden brown and crispy.

Remove the ribs from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel or a wire rack. Double Fry for Extra Crispiness (Optional but Recommended!) After frying all the ribs once, increase the heat slightly to 190°C / 375°F. Fry the ribs again for 1-2 minutes until they become extra crispy and golden brown.

Remove and drain once again. Place the crispy ribs on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped spring onions, sesame seeds, or chilli flakes for extra flavour. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce with vinegar, or garlic mayo.

Expert Tips for Success:

Marinate for longer – If you have time, marinate the ribs for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Double frying makes a difference – This technique removes excess oil and gives the ribs a super crispy texture.
Use cornstarch in the coating – Cornstarch is the key to extra crispiness. Mixing it with flour ensures the perfect crunch.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable and ensure even cooking.
Rest the ribs after frying – Letting them sit on a wire rack helps keep them crispy instead of becoming soggy.

Customization Ideas and Variations:

Spicy Ribs – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Sweet and Sticky Ribs – Toss the crispy ribs in a honey garlic sauce or Korean-style sweet soy glaze.
Garlic Butter Ribs – After frying, toss the ribs in melted garlic butter for an extra flavorful touch.
Air Fryer Version – Coat the ribs lightly with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Serving Suggestions:

Crispy spare ribs are delicious on their own, but they pair perfectly with:
Steamed jasmine rice – A classic choice to balance the crunchiness.
Garlic fried rice – Adds extra flavor and richness.
Coleslaw or a fresh salad – A refreshing side to balance the fried texture.
Dipping sauces – Serve with sweet chili sauce, garlic mayo, or soy sauce with vinegar for extra taste.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips;

Storage
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Oven Method: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to crisp them up again.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.
Pan Method: Heat on a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the ribs soggy.

Make-Ahead Tips:

Marinate the ribs the night before and keep them refrigerated. Coat them in the flour mixture just before frying to ensure they stay crispy.
You can also pre-fry them lightly, store them, and do the final frying before serving.

Crispy spare ribs are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re making them for a party, family dinner, or a casual snack, they always deliver on crunch and flavor. Try this recipe, and enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness.