Ingredients

for 4 servings

 2 ½ lb pork ribs(2.2 kg)

 1 tablespoon kosher salt
 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
 1 tablespoon garlic powder
 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
 3 green onions, whites and green parts separated, plus more for garnish
 1 tablespoon neutral oil
 1 shallot, minced
 1 red jalapeño, sliced, divided, plus more for garnish
 6 garlic cloves, minced
 2 tablespoons grated lemongrass
 2 tablespoons nước màu, or 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
 1 ½ tablespoons fish sauce
 2 cups water(480 mL), or as needed
 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Preparation
1. Add the pork ribs to a large bowl and season with the
salt, 1½ teaspoons sugar, the garlic powder, and black
pepper.
2. Slice the white parts of the green onions lengthwise
and chop the green parts; set the greens aside.
3. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the
shallot, half of the jalapeño, white parts of the green onions,
and garlic and sauté until light golden, 3 minutes.
4. Add the ribs to the aromatics and brown on all sides,
about 4 minutes, then add the grated lemongrass, remaining
2½ tablespoons of sugar, the nước màu, fish sauce, enough
water to come about halfway up the ribs, the rest of the
jalapeño, and the scallion greens. Cover and simmer for 20
minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half and the ribs
are caramelized.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and more jalapeño and
scallions and serve over rice.
6. Enjoy!