Chinese Barbecued Pork

Chinese barbecued pork was one of my favorite special dinners my mom would make when I was growing up. I remember always trying to sneak some before dinner and especially after, (if there was any left) from the refrigerator. We visited my parents a few weeks ago and my mom surprised us by making this recipe before we even arrived- bringing back many happy memories. It is both flavorful and tender, delicious on its own as an appetizer, or as part of a Chinese meal.

 Chinese Barbecued Pork from Chinese Cooking Class Cookbook
Ingredients:
2 whole pork tenderloins (about 12oz. each)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 TBS brown sugar
1 TBS honey
2 tsp. red food coloring, if desired (we always use it)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 green onion, cut in half

Directions:
1. Remove and discard fat from meat.
2. Combine soy sauce, sugar, honey, food coloring, cinnamon, garlic and onion in a large bowl or ziploc bag. Add pork, turning tenderloins to coat completely. Cover or seal and let stand at room temperature 1 hour or overnight in refrigerator (I would refrigerate overnight), turning occasionally. 
3. Drain pork, reserving marinade. Place pork on wire rack over a baking pan. 
4. Bake in preheated 350° until done, about 45 minutes. Turn and baste frequently with reserved marinade during baking.
5. Remove pork from oven and let cool. Can be cooled completely and refrigerated. Cut into diagonal slices. Serve warm or cold.

Jake's Barbecue Ribs

Our neighbor, Jake, has taken over the cooking at his house. His kids aren't necessarily too adventurous in the eating arena, so Mr. D and I get to be the "taste testers"- a job we thoroughly enjoy. Jake brought us a sample of these ribs and we thought they were so good- we made them two weeks in a row. Make sure to leave enough time for the rub to flavor the meat, we leave it on overnight.

Jake's Barbecue Ribs

BBQ Ribs
2 racks baby back ribs
3 cups BBQ sauce (recipe that follows or use your own favorite)
1 cup rib rub (recipe follows)

Directions:
1. Remove silver skin from the back of the ribs. Liberally apply rib rub to the ribs 8-24 hours before cooking. Wrap in plastic wrap, place on a baking sheet or pan and place in refrigerator.

2. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 350°. Coat ribs with a layer of BBQ sauce and place in a shallow baking dish, meat side down. (I use my half sheet cookie pan, with sides). Cook for 1 hour, 45 minutes.

3. Transfer ribs to preheated grill over medium heat. Baste with sauce, turning regularly and basting each turn. Grill about 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened and rib meat is tender.

Rib Rub: 
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup paprika
1 TBS black pepper
1 TBS salt
1 TBS chili powder
1 TBS garlic powder
1 TBS onion powder
1 tsp. cayenne pepper (can adjust to taste)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients together in small bowl, mix well. Transfer to airtight container or use immediately.

BBQ Sauce
2 cups ketchup
1 cup water
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
5 TBS brown sugar
5 TBS sugar (or use all brown)
1/2 TBS black pepper
1/2 TBS onion powder
1/2 TBS ground mustard
1/2 TBS garlic powder
1 TBS lemon juice
1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1/2 TBS liquid smoke

Directions:
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently for 1 hour 15 minutes.