Easy Chinese Garlic Ribs

Easy Chinese Garlic Ribs also known as Suan Xiang Pai Gu (蒜香排骨) is a super easy lip smacking pork rib recipe served with a delicious dry garlic mixture. 

Suan Xiang Pai Gu (蒜香排骨) is a delightful recipe of Easy Chinese Garlic Ribs.

The first time I experienced the magical flavors of this dish was on a visit to my dear friend's hometown in Guangzhou, China. I can't belief what I was missing out on. Suan Xiang Pai Gu is crispy, sweet, salty, with a sweet aroma of garlic essence that is finger licking good food.  Unlike our recipe for Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs, this Chinese rib recipe has a dry rub and a dry topping. My dear friend is a fantastic cook and this Easy Chinese Garlic Ribs recipe happens to be one of her teenage son's favorite dishes.

We have not ever made this dish before and the only traditional Suan Xiang Pai Gu recipes we could find were only written in Chinese. This sounded like a challenge that was just perfect for the undertaking. I had the unique opportunity of learning more Chinese characters and also learning how to make this new dish. How could I refuse such fantastic opportunity!   I hope your family enjoys the unique flavors of this Easy Chinese Garlic Ribs recipe.

A special thanks to Alice Laoshi for helping find the recipe. A very special thank you to Safie for helping me translate the recipe from Chinese to English and making the dish together.

Easy Chinese Garlic Ribs can be made 2 ways either with or without a batter crust.  The one we will be making today is without a batter crust and it is lovely, just like what we had in the restaurant in Guangzhou.

Suan Xiang Pai Gu (蒜香排骨) : (Serves 4 adults or 2 hungry teenagers)

• 1.5- 2.0 pounds of pork ribs (排骨)
• 2 eggs slightly beaten egg whites (蛋清)
• 2 teaspoons salt (盐)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (大蒜粉)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or low glycemic sugar alternative(糖)
• ¼ cup Shao Xing Wine (cooking wine) (料酒)
• oil for frying- (enough oil to submerge the ribs in oil in your wok or pan) (油)
• 1 tablespoon leek finely chopped (大葱)
• 2 teaspoons of ginger finely chopped (姜)
• 7 garlic cloves finely minced (大蒜)

Step 1: Wash the ribs and cut into about one inch pieces.

Step 2: In a medium bowl place ribs, beaten egg whites, salt, garlic powder, sugar and cooking wine.  Mix well and place in refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, but best if left overnight to marinate.

Step 3: Finely mince garlic, leeks and ginger and set aside. (Leeks and ginger will be cooked together later)

Step 4: In the wok place about 1 tablespoon oil and fry garlic until just aromatic about 1 minute. Then remove and set aside. (Do not burn as it will turn bitter)

Step 5: Then place into wok/pan enough oil so that ribs will be submerged in oil and turn on heat to medium hot (About 2-3 cups-depends on size of wok or pan)

Step 6: Check the temperature of the oil in wok. (Place wooden chop stick tips into the oil and if bubbles form, it is ready)

Step 7: Put carefully and slowly 5-6 ribs at a time in the oil and cook for about 10- 12 minutes until nice and golden brown and set aside. Turn ribs periodically so it gets golden brown on all sides. Finish cooking the rest of the ribs in small batches. Drain ribs and keep warm.

Step 8: Carefully remove all, except for about 1 tablespoon of oil, from the wok and set aside.

Step 9: Add chopped ginger and leeks to pan and saute slightly for about 1 minute and then add the cooked ribs and the cook garlic back to the pan and stir gently.

Step 10: Remove ribs from wok and place on a serving dish. Suan Xiang Gu can be a lovely starter dish or a complete meal with rice and vegetables on the side. Hen hao chi (很好吃)  Enjoy!

More Delicious Chinese Recipes

How to Prepare Wood Ear Mushrooms

Spicy Pan Fried Beef Bao

How to Cook Tasty Job Tears

Easy Pork Shiitake Mushroom Stir Fry

Need more delicious Dinner Ideas? Subscribe to our Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, You Tube, Instagram, and Pinterest for all the latest updates.