#Although Chinese barbecue sauce is nothing like the tomato-based American-style sauce, these ribs are still tasty cooked on a grill.#
First prepare the garnish. Trim the root ends and the dark green tops from the onions.
Cut both ends into thin strips, leaving about 1/2 inch in the middle uncut.
Place the onions in ice water for several hours or overnight for the ends to curl up.
Cut the spare-ribs into one-rib pieces. Mix all the remaining ingredients together, pour over the ribs and stir to coat evenly. Allow to stand for 1 hour.
Put the spare-rib pieces on a rack in a roasting pan containing 2½ cups water and cook in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Add more hot water to the pan while cooking, if necessary.
Turn the ribs over and brush with the remaining sauce. Cook 30 minutes longer, or until tender. Serve garnished with the onion brushes.
#TIME#
Preparation takes about 45 minutes. The onion brushes must soak for at least 4 hours and the ribs must marinate for 1 hour. Cooking takes about 1 hour.
#PREPARATION#
If the ribs are small and not very meaty, cut into two-rib pieces before cooking, then into one-rib pieces just before serving.
#COOK'S TIP#
The ribs may be prepared in advance and reheated at the same temperature for about 10 minutes.