• If your ribs are not separated, begin by removing the membrane on the bottom* and then cut into individual ribs.
• Heat a small pan over a medium heat and toast the Szechuan peppercorns, and crush them in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder.
• Season the ribs with the salt, Szechuan pepper, and the five spice.
• Peel and roughly chop the onion.
• Peel the garlic.

Instant Pot Cooking Instructions:

• Place the chopped onion and garlic into the base of the Instant Pot or pressure cooker and pour over 250ml (1 Cup) of water, add a trivet, followed by the ribs and then seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
• Let the pressure release for 10 minutes, then open the vent. Remove the ribs and allow them to steam dry for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
• Remove the garlic and onion with a slotted spoon and place them into a blender.

Stovetop Cooking Instructions:

• Place a medium (24cm or 10") pan on the stove top and add the onions and garlic, followed by the pork ribs, then pour over enough water to just cover.
• Bring to a boil over a medium heat and skim off any "foam" that floats to the surface, then cover with a lid and cook for 40 minutes on low.
• Remove the ribs and allow them to steam dry for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
• Drain and discard the cooking water, and leave behind the garlic and onions.

Make the Sauce:

• Mix together all of the ingredients for the sauce in a small pan and simmer for 8-10 minutes on a medium-high heat whilst the ribs steam dry.
• Transfer to a blender with the onions and garlic, blitz until smooth, then pass through a fine mesh sieve.

Glaze the Ribs (3 Options):

• Option 1: The Oven:

  Heat your oven as hot as it will go on fan mode if you have one (how long this will take will really depend on your oven), coat the ribs with the sauce and place them on a baking tray. Cook for 12-15 minutes or 20 minutes if you do not have a fan oven.

  Keep the leftover sauce to use to serve separately.
• Option 2: The Grill or Broiler:

  Heat your grill as hot as it will go (how long this will take will really depend on your grill), coat the ribs with the sauce and cook for 12-15 minutes (turning occasionally) until sticky and charred in places.

  Keep the leftover sauce to use to serve separately.
• Option 3: The Air Fryer:

  Spray the basket of your air fryer with release spray or oil, then coat the ribs with the sauce and place them in the basket of an air fryer (do not overcrowd; you may need to do this in batches). Then cook at 200°C or 400°F for 8-10 minutes.

  Keep the leftover sauce to use to serve separately.