Spare Ribs Using Shio Koji
These shio koji spare ribs are tender, juicy, and full of umami, thanks to enzymes that break down the meat’s proteins and fibers while locking in moisture—perfect for anyone new to cooking with this magical ingredient.
Ingredients
- 350 g (0.8 lb) spare ribs (Use any kind (pre-sliced, a rack, etc.) you like. )
- 1.5-3 tbs (1.5-3 tbs) shio koji (About 10-20% of the weight of the spare ribs.)
directions
Preparation
- Put the ribs and shio koji into a plastic bag.
- Seal the bag and rub shio koji into the meat.
Marinating
- Let it rest in the fridge for a few hours to a whole day.While the meat rests, enzymes called proteases in shio koji will continuously break down the proteins in the meat into amino acids to create umami. This process will also sever the fibers in the meat (because the fibers are made of protein), making the meat unbelievably soft. Also, as the fibers are being severed, small gaps will open in the meat, allowing for moisture and sugars from shio koji to get in. This will retain moisture and prevent shrinking of the meat during cooking, making the meat super juicy.
Baking
- After the meat has rested, preheat the oven to 200 °C (392 °F).Place the ribs onto a baking tray and bake them in the oven for about 20 minutes depending on the size of your ribs. Shio koji burns very easily, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
- They are done when the surface of the meat is golden brown and there is a little bit of char here and there. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Shio koji burns very easily, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
- What Is Shio Koji? (The Complete Guide)
- How to Make Shio Koji (Recipe)
- Shio koji products: - If You Are Outside of Japan Shio koji by marukome 200g (7.05 ounce): https://geni.us/8vWX0vj Shio koji by marukome 500g (17.6 ounce): https://geni.us/tIoxH2b - If You Are in Japan Shio koji by marukome 500g (17.6 ounce) x 2: https://geni.us/Kbbw0C As an Amazon Associate, I earn a percentage of what you pay on qualifying purchases.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 765.6kcalCarbohydrates: 18.9gProtein: 39.1gFat: 57.6gSaturated Fat: 18.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 20.9gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 196mgSodium: 1851.5mgPotassium: 592.9mgCalcium: 36.8mgIron: 2.2mg