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Suon Ram Man (Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Ribs)

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 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Course: Family meal, Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Servings: 4 people
Author: Cielle

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Heat cooking oil in a skillet (stainless steel is recommended). Sear the pork ribs over medium heat until all sides are nicely browned.
  • 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.
  • If the ribs haven't caramelized to your liking, stir in some Vietnamese caramel sauce, molasses, or dark soy sauce.
  • 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.
  • Serve the caramelized pork ribs with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for a delicious meal.
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