These Easy Asian Pork Ribs are tender and full of flavor! Baked slowly in the oven, they soak up a delicious mix of soy sauce, honey, and garlic that will make your taste buds dance.
Who doesn’t love ribs that fall right off the bone? I always serve these with some sticky rice and veggies—easy, fun, and a hit at family dinners! 🍚🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: I recommend using either spareribs or baby back ribs for the best flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find pork, beef ribs can be a good alternative, but they will change the flavor profile.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is a great pick to control saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari. Coconut aminos is another tasty option that’s slightly sweeter and less salty.
Hoisin Sauce: This adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it, mix together some soy sauce, peanut butter, and honey for a quick homemade alternative!
Sesame Oil: It offers a nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can use a light vegetable oil, but the taste won’t be as rich.
Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is always best for the brightest flavor! If you’re short on time, you can use prepared ginger or garlic, but fresh adds a vibrant touch.
How Do I Ensure the Ribs Are Tender and Flavorful?
Getting the ribs just right takes a few careful steps. First, marinating is key! Let them soak in the sauce for at least an hour; overnight works best for maximum flavor. Marinating helps tenderize the meat and adds a lot to the overall taste.
- Use a covered dish or a resealable bag to marinate the ribs. Ensure they are well-coated.
- When baking, the low temperature (300°F) for a few hours allows the collagen in the meat to break down, making the ribs fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Don’t skip the broiling step! This creates a lovely caramelized crust. Just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Enjoy your cooking and those delicious ribs!
Easy Asian Pork Ribs Baked in the Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2.5 to 3 pounds pork spareribs or baby back ribs
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp five-spice powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (optional, for heat)
For Garnishing:
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and about 2.5 to 3 hours of baking time, plus additional time for marinating. Allow at least 1 hour of marinating for the best flavor. If you can, marinate them overnight for even tastier results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help tenderize the meat as it cooks. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil to make cleanup super easy!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder (if you’re using it), brown sugar, black pepper, and the chili garlic sauce for a kick. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Prepare the Ribs:
Place your ribs in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil and let them marinate. You can do this at room temperature for about 1 hour or for the deepest flavor, put it in the fridge overnight!
4. Bake the Ribs:
Once marinated, place the covered ribs in the preheated oven. Let them bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat is tender and pulls easily away from the bones.
5. Broil for Crispy Edges:
Remove the foil carefully (watch out for steam!) and baste the ribs with the pan juices. Turn the oven to broil. Broil the ribs for 3-5 minutes until the edges get lovely and crispy. Keep a close watch to prevent burning!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the top for a pop of flavor and color. Cut into portions and serve them hot with steamed rice and some steamed or stir-fried vegetables on the side.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Asian-style pork ribs! They are sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use either pork spareribs or baby back ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, with baby back ribs generally cooking a bit faster due to their shorter length. Always ensure the meat is tender before removing it from the oven.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can create a quick substitute by mixing together equal parts soy sauce and peanut butter with a touch of honey for sweetness. This will mimic the flavors fairly well in your ribs!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftover ribs, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them right away. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them if you prefer a quicker option.
Can I Make These Ribs in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! For a slow cooker version, after marinating the ribs, place them in the slow cooker with the marinade and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For a crispy finish, broil them in the oven for a few minutes after cooking!