Chinese Five-Spice Spareribs

Ingredients

• 3 lbs baby back ribs
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup chinese plum sauce
• 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon pickled ginger, minced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 350°F Rub the ribs all over with the five-spice powder then salt and pepper to taste; set aside. Stir together the hoisin and plum sauces in a small bowl; brush evenly over the ribs then cut the ribs into 3-5 rib sections.

2. 2

   Place the ribs in a large, oiled roasting pan; cover the pan tightly with foil. Bake until the meat is tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove foil and remove ribs to a platter.

3. 3

   Pour the liquid from the roasting pan into a degreaser or bowl; skim off the fat. Pour the liquid into a large Dutch oven; heat over medium heat. Add the cider, vinegar, tomato paste, honey, ginger, garlic and soy sauce. Cook, stirring often, until the liquid reduces to a syrupy consistency, about 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Cut the ribs into individual pieces; place in the Dutch oven. Heat over medium heat, turning ribs to coat evenly. Transfer ribs to a platter. Pass extra sauce on the side.