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Sườn Ram Mặn | Sườn Kho (Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Ribs)

Sườn Ram Mặn (Caramelized Pork Ribs) is a beloved staple in Vietnamese home cooking. It's super easy to make and pairs perfectly with a big bowl of steamed rice—you might find yourself going back for seconds!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pork ribs (spare ribs, baby ribs) (450g)
  • Shallots (or ginger, scallions) (for parboiling)
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (to your taste)
  • ½ tbsp soy sauce (to your taste)
  • ½ tbsp sugar (to your taste)
  • ½ tbsp sriracha chili sauce (to your taste)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (to your taste)
  • 1 tbsp minced shallots (for the marinade)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic  (for the marinade)
  • ½ tbsp cooking oil
  • Vietnamese Caramel Sauce (Molasses/Dark Soy Sauce) (optional, just for the color)
  • coconut water (optional, you could use normal water, Coco Rico, Coke or 7-UP)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Fill a pot with water, enough to cover the ribs once added. Add some salt and sliced shallots (or ginger and scallions). Bring to a boil, then add the ribs. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until all the scum rises to the surface. Drain the ribs and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
  2. Combine fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Sriracha, sugar, minced shallots, and garlic to create a marinade. Coat the pork ribs with this mixture and let them sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Heat cooking oil in a skillet (stainless steel is recommended). Sear the pork ribs over medium heat until all sides are nicely browned.
  4. Add water (or coconut water) to cover the pork ribs halfway. Cover the pot and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 15-40 minutes:- For a firmer texture (as preferred in Vietnamese cuisine), simmer for 20 minutes.- For tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, extend the cooking time to 35-40 minutes.
  5. If the ribs haven't caramelized to your liking, stir in some Vietnamese caramel sauce, molasses, or dark soy sauce.
  6. Once done, uncover the skillet, adjust the seasoning with additional fish sauce and sugar if needed, and cook over medium-high heat until the sauce reduces and forms a glossy glaze.
  7. Serve the caramelized pork ribs with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for a delicious meal.