Spare Me Some Ribs

I've been looking for some authentic chinese spare ribs recipe for a while now. You know those succulent spare ribs that the ol' chinese lady brings to your table at an dim sum restaurant. After countless hours of searching the web, I still haven't found the recipe. I think I need to just muster up the courage, go down to a chinese restaurant and bluntly ask...

However, my cravings for some spare ribs still needs to be satisfied. Ah.. the debased human action of craving, gluttony to put it realistically. However, we work hard in the kitchen to receive the end result we want, so I say, to the cook goes the spoils! 

 INGREDIENTS : 

3     lbs        Spare Ribs (1.4 kg)

2     tbs        Vegetable Oil

1     dried    Red Chili

4     tbs        Soy Sauce

2     tbs        Vinegar

2     tbs        Honey

1     tbs        Sesame Oil

In a small bowl, whisk together SOY SAUCE, VINEGAR, HONEY and SESAME OIL. 

Heat the VEGETABLE OIL in a wok, add the RED CHILI and cook for about 1 minute. 

Remove the CHILI and brown the SPARE RIBS in batches. Pour off some of the oil, retain about 2 tbs.

Return all the RIBS to the wok, pour enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat shrink slightly on the bone and feels tender. 

Remove the CHILI and discard, pour the SAUCE into the wok. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until liquid is reduced. 

If necessary, add a mixture of 2/3 cups water and 1 tbs cornstarch to thicken the sauce. 

Serve on a bed of white rice.