P.F. Chang’s Spare Ribs Recipe

P.F. Chang’s Spare Ribs are known for their tender, fall-off-the-bone texture and a rich, flavorful glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Yum!

While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, I break down the key elements and techniques to recreate this to a “T”.

One upfront note: I always make sure to wok-sear those ribs for the best caramelization and flavor punch!

Oh and when picking your spare ribs, look for meaty ribs with good marbling.

How to Make P.F. Chang’s Spare Ribs Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Pork Spare Ribs
• 1 cup Hoisin Sauce
• 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
• 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
• 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 300°F.

Season the ribs with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cover them with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.

Step 2:

Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir frequently for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 3:

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan to 375°F.

Remove ribs from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Then deep fry ribs in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy.

Step 4:

Toss the fried ribs in the sauce until evenly coated.

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.

Don’t forget to toss well so each rib gets a good coating of the sauce.

Step 5:

Arrange the ribs on a serving platter.

Serve hot for maximum flavor.

These ribs are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Always opt for fresh ginger and garlic as these add the best flavor to the sauce.

Try not to use pre-minced ingredients if you can help it.

Fresh ingredients really do make a big difference!

Double the Sauce

If you love extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients.

This way, you’ll have more for dipping or drizzling over rice or vegetables.

You can never have too much sauce on these tasty ribs.

Watch the Frying Temperature

Be careful with the oil temperature when frying.

Too hot or too cold can make a big difference in texture.

Aim for a steady 375°F for best results.

Experiment with Sweetness

Adjust the honey to suit your taste.

Feel free to tweak the sweetness level of your sauce.

A little more or less can tailor it perfectly to your liking.

Let Ribs Rest

Give your ribs a few minutes to rest before serving.

Resting helps the sauce to set and flavors to meld.

Take a moment to catch your breath and get ready to enjoy!

What to Serve with P.F. Chang’s Spare Ribs Recipe

Steamed Rice

When you’re serving P.F. Chang’s spare ribs, you can’t go wrong with a bowl of steamed rice.

The simplicity of the rice perfectly balances the sweet and tangy flavors of the ribs, making it a classic pairing.

You can expand on this by offering jasmine or basmati rice for an aromatic touch.

Sesame Noodles

For something a bit different and still delicious, try serving the spare ribs with sesame noodles.

The nuttiness from sesame oil complements the Asian-style barbecue sauce beautifully.

These noodles are quick to make, and their unique flavor adds an interesting twist to your meal.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables is always a good idea alongside ribs.

You can include broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas for crispness and color.

These vegetables not only add flavor but also provide a refreshing contrast in texture.

Pineapple Salsa

Add a tropical flair to the meal with some pineapple salsa.

This unexpected side dish brings a burst of freshness and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the rich ribs.

The combination of pineapple, cilantro, and lime adds a refreshing zing to your plate.

Pickled Vegetables

If you’re looking for something adventurous, try serving pickled vegetables with your ribs.

The tangy flavors from pickled cucumbers or daikon enhance the richness of the meat.

Variations and Substitutions

Choosing your barbecue sauce is a great way to customize P.F. Chang’s spare ribs to your taste.

Feel free to experiment with different styles like honey garlic or smoky chipotle for a unique twist!

If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using lean pork ribs or even substitute with beef ribs.

Using beef will require slightly different cooking times, but it’s worth the experimentation!

Spice Adjustments

For those who love a bit of heat, adding extra spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper can ramp up the spice level.

If you’re not a fan of spicy flavors, stick to milder spices like garlic powder or paprika.

Marinade Choices

Consider marinating the ribs overnight with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

This will allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat for an extra flavor boost.

If you want a sweeter profile, integrate hoisin sauce into your marinade—its rich taste pairs fantastically with the ribs.

Cooking Techniques

Try grilling the ribs instead of traditional oven-baking for a different texture and flavor.

I love the smoky flavor that grilling brings to the dish!

For fall-off-the-bone tenderness, slow-cooking is also a fantastic option.

How to Store Leftover P.F. Chang’s Spare Ribs

Airtight Containers

Using airtight containers is crucial for keeping the ribs fresh and flavorful.

Choose a container that snugly fits the ribs to minimize air exposure.

This will help maintain their delicious taste for up to four days in the refrigerator!

Wrapping in Foil

For those leftover ribs, wrap them securely in foil if an airtight container isn’t available.

This method also provides a protective barrier against moisture loss.

It’s a handy trick I use when I’m short on containers.

Freezing Ribs

If you want to keep the ribs for a longer period, freezing is the way to go.

Wrap each rib individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.

This prevents freezer burn, ensuring your ribs are ready for future cravings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Ribs

One common mistake is overcooking the ribs, which can result in tough meat and a less enjoyable dish.

To keep the ribs tender, pay close attention to cooking times and temperatures.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove them from heat when they reach around 190°F.

Inadequate Sauce Marination

Another error is not allowing the sauce to marinate the ribs long enough.

This step is crucial for achieving that signature flavor of P.F. Chang’s spare ribs.

Let the ribs sit in the sauce for several hours, or overnight if possible, for best results.

Skipping Pre-Boiling

A lot of people skip the pre-boiling step, thinking it’s unnecessary.

Pre-boiling softens the ribs and removes excess fat, making them perfect for the next cooking steps.

Boil the ribs for about 10-12 minutes before proceeding to fry or grill them.