Vietnamese Spareribs With Chile And Lemongrass Recipes

VIETNAMESE LEMONGRASS SPARERIBS

Steps:

• preheat oven to 500°F.
• Starting on one end of the ribs pull off the thin membrane that covers the bones and the flap of meat on the underside of the ribs.
• Use a knife to help loosen any stubborn spots.
• Then trim as much fat as you can from the ribs and cut down between the bones to separate the ribs.
• In a mortar, pound together the garlic, shallots, pepper and salt.
• Stir in the sugar, fish sauce, lemongrass, wine and oil.
• Arrange the ribs in a single layer on a shallow dish.
• Pour the marinade over them and coat well.
• Marinate in room temperature for at least 3 hours or, covered, in the refrigerator overnight.
• Put the ribs on a large baking pan and roast on the top shelf until crusty and dark, about 30 minutes.
• serve hot or at room temperature.

VIETNAMESE BRAISED PORK RIBS

Steps:

• Make the marinade: In a small bowl, put the shallots, lemongrass, soy sauce, fish sauce, chile paste, salt, sugar, five-spice powder, garlic and ginger. Mix well.
• Put the meat in a deep baking dish or roasting pan and add marinade. Using your hands, coat ribs well. Let marinate, refrigerated, for at least 2 hours and preferably overnight, well wrapped. Bring back to room temperature before proceeding.
• Heat oven to 450 degrees. Add 2 cups water to the pan, cover tightly with foil and place pan in oven. Cook for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees for 1 hour more. When done, the meat should be very tender, nearly but not quite falling off the bone. Remove cover and return to the oven for about 15 minutes until the ribs are nicely browned.
• Remove ribs from pan. Pour pan juices into a saucepan and skim fat. Reduce over high heat until somewhat thickened, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, divide ribs with a sharp knife and pile them onto a platter.
• Serve family style with steamed rice and pan juices. Garnish with scallions, cilantro and mint sprigs.