Clove-Scented Lu Shui Braised Pork Ribs
Quick answer
- Total time
- 80 min
- Level
- Medium
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Ingredients
- 9
About this dish
Star anise and ginger are in the pot too, but what reaches you first from these ribs is clove, with a faintly medicinal edge.
Read more
Cloves are strong, and the count stays at five. Before any soy goes in, the ribs are tossed in rock sugar melted to amber, which leaves a glossy dark-brown coat, and then they braise low with dark soy and Shaoxing wine until the meat slips off the bone.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Soak 800g pork ribs in cold water for 30 minutes to draw out blood, then blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, skimming off any foam and impurities before draining.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat, add 30g rock sugar, and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sugar melts and turns deep amber in color.
- 3
Add the blanched ribs to the pan and stir-fry over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, turning them frequently so the caramel coats all sides evenly and glossily.
- 4
Add 5 cloves, 2 star anise, 20g sliced ginger, and 1 green onion stalk, then stir-fry over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the spices bloom and release a warm, sweet aroma.
- 5
Pour in 100ml soy sauce, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, and enough water (about 500-600ml) to fully submerge the ribs, then bring to a vigorous boil over high heat.
- 6
Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for 40-50 minutes until the meat pulls away from the bone easily, then uncover for the final 5 minutes to reduce the braising liquid to a glossy, concentrated sauce.
Use-up ingredient planner
Turn these ingredients into two more meals
The overlap excludes basic seasonings. Open the next recipe and your selected dishes will stay with you.

Korean Pork Ribs (Sweet Pear-Marinated BBQ Ribs)
Pork ribs, Ginger

Chinese Soy-Braised Beef Shank
Star anise, Ginger

Century Egg and Pork Congee
Ginger, Green onion