Lunch: Szechuan Style Spareribs

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Szechuan Style Spareribs

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1 (4 pound) slab pork spareribs
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 1/2 tablespoons chile garlic sauce
1 1/4 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil

Instructions

Using a sharp knife, cut the slab of ribs between the bones into individual ribs. Place in a stock pot or large soup pot and add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a steady simmer, and cook until the ribs are tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours, skimming the surface of any scum that rises to the top while cooking. Remove the ribs to a large bowl and set aside to cool completely. (Reserve the pork stock for another purpose.)
Combine the rice wine, soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, garlic, chile garlic sauce and five-spice powder and whisk to blend. Pour half of the marinade over the cooled ribs and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours or up to overnight. Reserve the remaining half of the marinade in a non-reactive container and refrigerate.
Preheat the broiler and position a rack in the upper third of the oven.
To the remaining half of the marinade, add the honey and sesame oil and whisk to combine. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and transfer to an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with some of the remaining marinade-honey mixture and broil for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the ribs are crispy on the upper edges. Remove the ribs from the oven and turn to the other side, brush with some of the remaining marinade mixture and broil again for about 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve hot.

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