Oven-baked Salt and Pepper Pork Riblets

This recipe of oven-baked salt and pepper pork riblets in inspired from the Chinese style salt and pepper pork chop. I love the flavor of five-spice powder combined with white pepper. Plus, the addition of crispy garlic and some kick from the jalapeno pepper. It is one of the well-known and popular dishes in most of the authentic Chinese restaurants.

In this recipe, I am using pork riblets instead of pork chops. Also, instead of deep frying it, I am baking them in the oven for the healthier option, and you won’t even taste the difference. Since I am cutting the pork riblets into bite-sized, I am eating it like finger foods. But of course, it is best when you pair it with a bowl of warm fluffy rice. Give it a try, it usually is gone before you know it.

Tip: It’s important to immediately add the heated garlic to the pork riblets and add the jalapeno pepper, salt and pepper. This way, the flavor can stick to the pork riblets better. You can use Thai chili or other type of pepper as you desire.

Ingredient:

• 3 lbs pork riblets – cut into bite size
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (to brush)

Marinade

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 teaspoon five spice powder
• 2 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Coating

• 4 cloves garlic – roughly chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers – thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Direction:

• In a large mixing bowl, add all the marinade ingredients and mix well. Then, add the bite-sized pork riblets and cover all areas of the riblets evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, overnight is better.
• Pre-heat the oven under 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a baking sheet, brush the olive oil onto the sheet. Then, place each riblets onto the baking sheet and brush the riblets with olive oil as well.
• Once heated, place the baking sheet into the oven and bake it for one hour.
• When the time is up, set aside the baked riblets about 5 minutes to cool down a bit.
• Heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet under medium heat. Once the oil is a little bit smoky, add garlic and give it a quick stir. Only cook it until it is a bit brownish, do not let it burn.
• Turn off the heat and quickly add the riblets into the skillet. Then, add jalapeno pepper and sprinkle with sea salt and white pepper. Toss all of them to evenly mixed.
• The riblets are ready to be served and it is great when it’s paired with warm fluffy rice.