Xiao Jianmings Spareribs With Chiles Food

XIAO JIANMING'S SPARERIBS WITH CHILES

Steps:

• Whisk together potato starch mixture and salt in a large bowl, then add ribs and toss to coat. Heat 6 cups peanut oil in a wok or 5-quart heavy saucepan over moderately high heat until it registers 280°F on thermometer. Transfer ribs to wok with a slotted spoon and fry until just beginning to color but not yet pale golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Heat same oil to 380°F and fry ribs again, until dark brown and crisp, about 5 minutes more, then transfer to clean paper towels to drain. Transfer hot oil to a large saucepan to cool before discarding.
• Add remaining 2 tablespoons peanut oil, red pepper flakes, and chile bean sauce to cold, cleaned wok, then stir-fry over high heat until fragrant, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Add ribs, whole chiles, wine, sesame seeds, and sugar, and continue stir-frying until chiles are fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer ribs to a bowl and toss with sesame and chile oils.
• *We prefer Eden brand sesame oil (available at natural foods stores), which is nutty and well balanced, as well as China Bowl, a supermarket brand, which is a little milder.

CHILLI SPARE RIBS

Steps:

• Place the pork in a large pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain well.
• Place all the remaining ingredients and the pork ribs in a wok. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup liquid.
• Heat a clean wok and sear the pork until browned.
• Add the reserved liquid and cook over medium until it glazes.
• Chop the pork into bite size pieces and serve.

LU ROU SICHUAN (TRIPLE-COOKED SPARERIBS WITH CHILES)

Steps:

• Mix spareribs, wine, and five-spice powder in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• The next day, drain ribs, discarding liquid, and transfer to a 6 qt saucepan. Cover with water by 2 inches and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook until slightly tender, 3-5 minutes, and drain. Set aside.
• Heat 1/4 cup canola oil in a 14 inch flat-bottomed wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced garlic and ginger, dried chiles, fennel, star anise, and cinnamon; cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer spices and chiles to a piece of cheesecloth; tie into a tight package. Add package to wok with reserved ribs, sugar, salt, and 6 cups water; bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium; cook until ribs are very tender, 30-35 minutes. Drain ribs, discarding liquid and spice package, and dry them completely with paper towels; set aside.
• Dry wok with paper towels and heat remaining 3 cups of canola oil to 375 degrees F. Working in 2 batches, fry ribs until crisp, 6-8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain; set aside.
• Discard all but 1/4 cup oil; heat over high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, and red and green chiles; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ribs and red chile oil; cook for 1 minute more. Serve with rice.