What Is It?
Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs(táng cù pái gǔ), is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. Pork ribs are deep-fried, then braised in a glossy sauce made of sugar and vinegar, giving them a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Story
This dish comes from Shanghai and Jiangsu cuisine traditions, where the art of balancing sweet and sour flavors is highly prized. Over time, it spread across China and became a favorite on family tables, especially during holidays and celebrations.
Key Flavors
Tender pork ribs with a light crunch
Sweet caramelized sugar
Tangy rice vinegar glaze
How to Eat
Best served hot, usually with steamed rice. Many people enjoy licking the glossy sauce off the bone before taking a big bite of the tender meat.
Fun Fact
The shine of the sauce is the hallmark of this dish. A perfectly cooked 糖醋排骨 should be red-brown, glossy, and sticky—so glossy that locals say it should “reflect light like a mirror.
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