Classic Braised Pork Ribs for Lunar New Year (Gao Sheng Pai Gu) 高昇排骨

Gao Sheng Pai Gu (高昇排骨) is a classic sweet and sour braised pork rib dish made with a symbolic 1-2-3-4-5 sauce ratio. And if you’re wondering what the 1-2-3-4-5 ratio means — it refers to a rising sauce proportion. The increasing numbers represent step-by-step success and prosperity, which is why this dish is especially popular during Lunar New Year and other celebratory occasions. It’s glossy, sticky, tender, perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy — and surprisingly easy to make at home.

What Does Gao Sheng Pai Gu Mean?

“Gao Sheng” (高昇 / 高升) means rising higher, promotion, or advancement. The sauce traditionally follows an increasing numeric ratio such as 1-2-3-4-5. The rising numbers symbolize continuous growth and good fortune. Because of this meaning, Gao Sheng Pai Gu is often served during Lunar New Year, business celebrations, and family gatherings. It’s a dish that carries both flavour and symbolism.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-pan recipe
• Sticky, glossy glaze
• Perfect balance of sweet and sour

1-2-3-4-5 Ratio Explained

For this version, the ratio is:

1 Cooking Wine : 2 Sugar : 3 Vinegar : 4 Soy Sauce : 5 Water

This creates a bold, sweet-tangy, savoury sauce that reduces into a shiny glaze. You can adjust the balance of sugar and vinegar (for example, using 2 parts vinegar and 3 parts sugar instead) to suit your taste preference.

Can I blanch the ribs first?

Yes. Blanching removes impurities and gives a cleaner flavour. However, direct searing creates a deeper caramelised flavour and richer meat taste. Both methods work well — it simply depends on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Gao Sheng Pai Gu is more than just sweet and sour pork ribs — it’s a dish filled with meaning. The rising numbers in the sauce represent prosperity and success, making it perfect for celebrations or whenever you want something special yet simple.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out — and may your year keep rising higher and higher.

Classic Braised Pork Ribs (Gao Sheng Pai Gu) 高昇排骨

Wanting

This classic braised pork rib dish features a traditional 1-2-3-4-5 sauce ratio that creates a perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, and sticky glaze. The rising numbers symbolise step-by-step success and prosperity, making it especially meaningful for Lunar New Year celebrations. It’s rich in flavour, beautifully glossy, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

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Course Lunch, dinner

Cuisine Asian, Chinese, Taiwanese

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 700-800 g pork ribs
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed
• A small handful of sliced ginger
• Vegetable oil for cooking
• Sesame seeds or spring onion for garnish

FOR THE SAUCE *Ratio 1:2:3:4:5 - You can adjust the sugar and vinegar proportions to make the dish sweeter or more sour, according to your preference.

• 2 tbsp cooking wine
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 6 tbsp black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• 8 tbsp soy sauce
• 10 tbsp water

Instructions

 

• Prepare and Sear the Ribs : Pat the pork ribs dry with paper towels. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ribs in a single layer and sear until lightly browned on all sides for flavour, but not fully cooked. Avoid moving them too much to allow proper browning. Remove the ribs and set aside.
• Sauté Aromatics : Using the same pan, sauté the garlic and ginger over medium-low heat until fragrant.
• Simmer : Return the ribs to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 30 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the sauce does not reduce too much; add a little water if necessary.
• Reduce the Sauce : Remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes) and evenly coats the ribs, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped spring onions before serving.

Video

Notes

Keyword Lunar New Year, Pork