Sweet garlic pork ribs

1. Preparation

• Soak your pork rib slices in clean water for 30 minutes to draw out any impurities.
• Wash them thoroughly, then pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
• Cut 2-3 shallow lines (score) into the meat on each rib. This helps the flavor seep deep inside and makes it super soft for toddler teeth to chew!
• Toss the ribs in the marinade ingredients and let them sit for 15 minutes. Use this time to preheat your oven to 170°C

2. Bake

• Line your baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
• Arrange the 6 ribs in a single layer (don't let them touch!). Pour any leftover sauce from the bowl over them.
• First Bake: Bake for 20 minutes.
• Take them out, flip them over, and spoon those bubbling, warm tray juices right back over the meat.
• Second Bake: Bake for another 15 minutes. (If the garlic or syrup looks like it's browning too fast in the last 10 minutes, just drape a piece of foil loosely over the top like a little tent!).
• Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving so they stay juicy.

For our first attempt, the meat was quite tough. Gemini suggested using baby back ribs, adding grated apple/pear/kiwi to the marinade (enzymes soften muscle fibers), or adding 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch to the marinade (protective barrier for the moisture).