Crockpot Indonesian-style Country Ribs

Crockpot Indonesian-style Country Ribs Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Indonesia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Indonesian-style country ribs are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the rich flavors of dark sweet soy sauce, pineapple juice, and a blend of spices to create a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Indonesian cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of aromatic spices. By slow-cooking the ribs in a crockpot, the meat becomes tender and juicy, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) pork country-style spareribs, trimmed
1 onion, sliced
0.25 cup ketjap manis (dark sweet soy sauce)
0.25 cup pineapple juice
1 lime (juice of, no seeds)
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
0.5 tsp ground turmeric
0.5 tsp ground cayenne pepper

To Serve

3 – 4 Thai red chili peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
3 cups steamed jasmine rice (optional)

How to prepare

Place the ribs in the bottom of the crockpot.
Separate the onion into rings and place them on top of the pork.
In a small bowl, mix together ketjap manis, pineapple juice, lime juice, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper until blended.
Pour the mixture over the pork and onions.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through.
Serve the pork with rice (if desired), garnished with slices of hot chiles.

Serving suggestion

For my dinner, I also took some sliced crimini mushrooms and snow peas (about 2 cups each), and stir-fried those with some hot chilies until they were partly cooked. Then, I added a ladle of the sauce from the crockpot and allowed it to thicken onto the veggies until the veggies were crisp-tender. I served the veggies also with chunks of fresh pineapple on the side.

Variations

Substitute the spareribs with pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different flavor profile.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the crockpot for a more nutritious meal.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Trim the excess fat from the ribs before cooking to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or Thai red chili peppers to the dish.

- Make sure to cook the ribs on low heat for a longer period of time to ensure that the meat is tender and falls off the bone.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Indonesian-style country ribs over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced Thai red chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.

Cooking Techniques

Slow-cooking the ribs in a crockpot allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. This method ensures that the dish is flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ketjap manis, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar. You can also use regular soy sauce if ketjap manis is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the ribs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator overnight for the flavors to develop even more.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Indonesian-style country ribs on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a cold beer complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the ribs in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a hearty dinner.

Summary

Indonesian-style country ribs are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. By slow-cooking the ribs in a crockpot with a blend of spices and sauces, you can create a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress. Serve the ribs over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with Thai red chili peppers for an extra kick of heat. Enjoy this dish with a glass of chilled white wine for a satisfying and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a dreary winter day and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Crockpot Indonesian-style Country Ribs. The combination of flavors and spices intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always been a fan of Indonesian cuisine, with its bold and aromatic spices. The idea of combining those flavors with tender, slow-cooked ribs was too tempting to resist. So, I set out to gather all the ingredients I would need to make this dish.

I went to the market and picked out the best country-style ribs I could find. I also made sure to grab fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a few other key ingredients that would give the dish its unmistakable Indonesian flair. As I loaded up my cart and headed home, I couldn't wait to get started.

Once I was back in my kitchen, I got to work preparing the ribs. I seasoned them with a blend of spices that included cumin, coriander, and turmeric, giving them a rich and earthy flavor. Then, I seared them in a hot skillet to lock in their juices before transferring them to the crockpot.

Next, I prepared the sauce that would infuse the ribs with all of those bold Indonesian flavors. I minced fresh ginger and garlic, then mixed them with soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar. I poured the sauce over the ribs in the crockpot, making sure to coat them evenly before setting the timer and walking away.

As the ribs simmered away in the crockpot, the aroma of the spices filled my kitchen. I couldn't help but smile as I thought about how much my family would enjoy this dish. I had always loved cooking for them, and seeing their faces light up when they tasted something new and delicious was always a joy.

When the timer finally went off, I lifted the lid of the crockpot and was greeted by the most mouthwatering scent. The ribs were so tender that they practically fell off the bone, and the sauce had thickened to a rich, glossy glaze. I couldn't wait to serve them up and see what everyone thought.

As my family sat down to dinner that night, I watched eagerly as they took their first bites of the Crockpot Indonesian-style Country Ribs. Their eyes lit up with delight as they savored the complex blend of flavors, the tender meat, and the sticky, sweet glaze. I couldn't have been happier.

From that day on, the Crockpot Indonesian-style Country Ribs became a staple in my repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy night in with my husband. Each time, they were met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

I loved sharing this dish with others, knowing that it had come to me through a long line of cooks and had been perfected over time. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but feel grateful for all of the recipes that have been passed down to me, and for the joy that cooking has brought into my life. The Crockpot Indonesian-style Country Ribs will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I first discovered its magic and the many meals shared around the table with those I love.