Ribs from Chinese cuisine, specifically Chinese-style barbecue spare ribs, are a type of Cantonese roasted meat.
Cantonese Roasted Meats: Siu Mei
Chinese-style barbecue spare ribs belong to the category of siu mei (燒味), which are Cantonese-style roasted meats. These meats are commonly seen hanging in the windows of restaurants, especially in Chinatown.
- Siu Mei Definition: Cantonese roasted meats.
Char Siu and Ribs
While the most typical cut for char siu (叉燒) is fatty pork shoulder, ribs are also used.
- Char Siu: A popular type of siu mei, often made with pork shoulder.
- Ribs as Finger Food: Ribs make excellent finger foods in this style of cooking.
In summary, ribs prepared in the Chinese style are often a form of siu mei, akin to char siu but utilizing ribs instead of pork shoulder. They are cooked using Cantonese roasting techniques, resulting in flavorful and visually appealing dishes.