Chinese Oven-Barbecued Spare Ribs

2 cloves garlic, crushed

3 tablespoons dark soy sauce

2 tablespoons dry sherry

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

½ tablespoon brown sugar

½ tablespoon sesame oil

½ teaspoon five spice powder*or 1/3 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, ground fennel, anise, and clove

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

Shot of Tabasco or to taste

1 tablespoon catsup, tomato sauce, or tomato paste

2 to 3 pounds pork spareribs

Mix well all the ingredients except the ribs. Use to marinate the pork spareribs for 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Place on a roasting rack in a 180° Celsius oven for 1 hour. Turn temperature up to 400°, and roast for an additional 15 minutes, or until browned and deliciously tender. It is a good idea to place a baking pan containing about 1 inch water in the oven beneath these ribs as they cook; it will prevent the sauce from dripping on the floor of the oven and causing smoke.

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