Go Back
Crispy Chinese fried pork spare ribs with garlic and pepper served on a wooden board
Vicky Sharma

Chinese Fried Pork Spare Ribs

Crispy, juicy Chinese fried pork spare ribs marinated with soy sauce, garlic, and pepper, then fried until golden and tossed with fragrant garlic. This restaurant-style recipe delivers perfectly crispy deep-fried pork spare ribs with bold flavor and a crunchy coating.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Rib Marinade
  • 2 pounds pork spare ribs cut into small 2–3 inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine optional
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
For Frying
  • 2-3 cups of neutral frying oil vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil
For Garlic Pepper Finish
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Wok or deep frying pan
  • Kitchen thermometer (recommended)
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Paper towels or wire rack

Method
 

Step 1 – Marinate the Pork
  1. Place the pork spare ribs in a large bowl. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, white pepper, minced garlic, Shaoxing cooking wine, egg, and cornstarch. Mix well until the ribs are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour for a deeper flavor.
    Marinating pork spare ribs with spices in a bowl
Step 2 – Heat the Oil
  1. Pour frying oil into a deep wok, saucepan, or fryer. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results.
Step 3 – Fry the Ribs
  1. Carefully add the marinated ribs to the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 4–6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the ribs and place them on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
    Adding marinated pork spare ribs to hot oil
Step 4 – Optional Double Fry (Extra Crispy)
  1. Let the ribs rest for 3–4 minutes. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the ribs again for 1–2 minutes until extra crispy.
Step 5 – Garlic Pepper Finish
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the fried ribs, sprinkle black pepper and a pinch of salt, then toss everything together for about 1 minute. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
    Crispy fried pork spare ribs ready to serve

Notes

Marinate the ribs for at least 1 hour for the best flavor.
• Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
• Cornstarch helps create the crispy coating.
• Double frying creates extra crunchy ribs similar to restaurant versions.
• Always ensure pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as recommended by the USDA before serving.
Recipe Tips
Use ribs cut into small pieces for authentic Chinese-style frying.
 Maintain oil temperature between 350–375°F for crispy results.
Fresh garlic and freshly cracked pepper enhance the flavor dramatically.