Skip to main content

Spareribs, Korean Style

This preparation results in ribs that are dark, glossy, and so tender that just a tug of the teeth will pull the meat off the bone.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds spareribs, cut into 2-inch sections
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/4 cup sugar
5 nickel-sized slices peeled fresh ginger
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped scallion

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put a large skillet that can hold the ribs in one layer over high heat and add the ribs and 1/2 cup of water. Boil, turning the ribs occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated, then reduce the heat to medium and brown the ribs in their own fat, turning occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds by putting them in a small skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally until they brown slightly and begin to pop.

    Step 2

    Add the garlic and half the sesame seeds and stir; cook for 30 seconds. Add the sugar, ginger, soy sauce, half the sesame oil, and another 1/4 cup of water; turn the heat to medium-high, and cook, turning occasionally, until the liquid is thick and dark. If the ribs are tender at this point, they’re ready. If not, add another 1/4 cup of water and repeat the process.

    Step 3

    Add salt and pepper to taste and the remaining sesame seeds and sesame oil. Stir once, sprinkle with the scallion, and serve.

Nutrition Per Serving

Per serving: 398.4 calories
157.6 calories from fat
17.5g total fat
3.1g saturated fat
17.4g cholesterol
2209.3g sodium
53.8g total carbs
3.3g dietary fiber
43.0g sugars
11.9g protein
#### Nutritional analysis provided by [TasteBook
using the USDA Nutrition Database]( )
From Mark Bittman's Quick and Easy Recipes From the New York Times by Mark Bittman Copyright (c) 2007 by Mark Bittman Published by Broadway Books. Mark Bittman is the author of the blockbuster Best Recipes in the World (Broadway, 2005) and the classic bestseller How to Cook Everything, which has sold more than one million copies. He is also the coauthor, with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, of Simple to Spectacular and Jean-Georges: Cooking at Home with a Four-Star Chef. Mr. Bittman is a prolific writer, makes frequent appearances on radio and television, and is the host of The Best Recipes in the World, a 13-part series on public television. He lives in New York and Connecticut.
Read More
A veg-forward main or gets-along-with-everyone side.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like a cucumber-cilantro chutney sandwich and scallop piccata.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Serve it with warm pita, rice, or chips for an under-30-minute dinner.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.