You could finish the ribs off on a barbecue instead of the oven if you prefer. Place the ribs in a large, wide saucepan. Cover with water and add the onion, garlic, fennel seeds and star anise.

Buy according to how you plan to use the sauce. A tomato-based barbecue sauce is a good all-purpose sauce, vinegar-based sauces are ideal for marinating meat, and those with a mustard base are ...