Chinese Braised Pork Ribs with Green Beans ｜ Caramelized Sugar

Chinese Braised Pork Ribs with Green Beans is a comforting Chinese home-style dish. The ribs are coated with caramelized sugar, slowly braised until tender, then finished with green beans in a rich, glossy sauce.

The key technique is 炒糖色 (chǎo táng sè), a traditional Chinese method of caramelizing sugar for color and flavor. Watch the sugar carefully: when it turns amber and forms fine, dense bubbles, it is time to add the ribs.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Braised Ribs with Green Beans
00:18 Caramelizing the Sugar
00:58 Searing and Braising the Ribs
01:32 Adding Green Beans and Finishing

INGREDIENTS

• Pork ribs
• Green beans
• Ginger
• Cooking oil
• White sugar
• Five-spice powder
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Hot water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove the strings from the green beans, then snap them into bite-sized pieces

2. Add cooking oil and white sugar to a wok. Cook over low heat, gently moving the sugar as it melts

3. Continue cooking until the sugar turns amber and develops fine, dense bubbles. Add the ribs and ginger immediately

4. Sear the ribs directly without blanching. Stir until lightly browned and evenly coated with the caramelized sugar

5. Add five-spice powder and soy sauce, then stir until the color is even

6. Pour in hot water. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes

7. Add the green beans and press them into the broth. Season with salt, cover, and simmer for another 10 minutes

8. Remove the lid and reduce the sauce, stirring frequently, until it clings to the ribs and beans

COOKING NOTES

• Keep the heat low while caramelizing the sugar
• The sugar is ready when it turns amber and forms fine bubbles
• Add the ribs promptly so the sugar does not burn
• If the sugar becomes very dark or smells burnt, start again
• Pat the ribs dry beforehand to reduce splattering
• Use hot water after searing the ribs
• Make sure the green beans are fully cooked before serving
• The dish is ready when the ribs are tender and the sauce looks thick and glossy
• You can substitute flat beans or Romano beans

Need the ingredient amounts or help with caramelizing sugar? Leave a comment below

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