There’s something special about ribs that fall off the bone and are coated in a sticky, glossy sauce. These Sweet and Sour Ribs are a dish we love making when we want something that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
The flavor is all about balance: the Shaoxing wine brings depth, soy sauce adds savoriness, vinegar brightens, and sugar caramelizes into that irresistible glaze. The result is a dish that’s tangy, slightly sweet, and full of umami.
At our table, these ribs don’t last long. Whether it’s a casual dinner for two or a gathering with friends, this is one of those dishes that gets people reaching for seconds before the plate has even made its way around.
Ingredients
500 g pork ribs
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
2 tbsp light soy sauce
3 tbsp sugar
4 tsp vinegar
5 tsp water Oil for cooking
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Method
1. Cut the ribs into pieces.
2. Heat a pan with a little oil and fry the ribs until browned on all sides.
3. In a bowl, mix together the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and water.
4. Pour the sauce over the ribs.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
6. Remove the lid and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and clings to the ribs.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Serving Tips from AtoZ
Serve with plain steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
Add a side of lightly stir-fried greens for balance.
Double the recipe if cooking for a crowd, these ribs disappear fast.
Garnish with a sprinkle of spring onion or fresh chili for extra color and heat.
Sticky, tangy, and completely addictive — this is comfort food the FromAtoZ way: simple ingredients, big flavors, and a dish everyone will fight over at the table.
FromAtoZ 