These Easy Spicy Gochujang Pork Ribs are a tasty treat! With a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, these ribs are juicy and full of flavor.
I love how easy these ribs are to make. Just marinate, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for a fun dinner or sharing with friends—your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: I like using spare ribs for a good balance of meat and fat. If you can’t find spare ribs, baby back ribs work well too. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary since baby back ribs are usually smaller.
Gochujang: This is the star of the recipe! If you’re looking for a milder flavor, mix it with some ketchup or use sriracha instead. If you’re avoiding soy, try tamari as a gluten-free option for the soy sauce.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Honey brings a richer sweetness, but brown sugar is also great and adds a touch of molasses flavor. For a healthier option, you can use maple syrup instead.
Rice Vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work, but use less since they can be more pungent.
How Do You Make Sure Your Ribs Are Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender ribs is low and slow cooking. Baking at a low temperature helps break down the collagen in the meat, making them juicy. Here are some tips:
- Wrap the ribs in foil to trap steam and keep them moist while baking.
- Cook for 2 to 2.5 hours depending on their size; they should be tender and pull easily from the bone.
- After baking, broil for a few minutes. This step adds a nice caramelization to the sauce for extra flavor.
Rest the ribs a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring they’re juicy with every bite!
Easy Spicy Gochujang Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds pork ribs
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to bake. The low and slow cooking method ensures the ribs turn out tender and flavorful. You’ll also want to let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. Overall, plan for about 2.5 to 3 hours for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help make the ribs tender as they cook for a longer period.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This sweet and spicy sauce is what will lift your ribs to another level!
3. Prepare the Ribs:
Take the pork ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce stick better. Then, evenly coat the ribs with half of the gochujang sauce. Set the remaining sauce aside for later use. Making sure the ribs are well-coated ensures they’re bursting with flavor!
4. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in aluminum foil to keep all the moisture in. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet. This will protect your oven from any drips and makes for easier clean-up!
5. Bake Until Tender:
Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours. They should become tender and the meat should pull away easily from the bones. This is the secret to juicy, delicious rib meat!
6. Brush with Sauce:
Once they’re cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the oven and discard the foil. Brush the ribs generously with the reserved gochujang sauce. Don’t be shy—this is where all the flavor comes from!
7. Broil for Extra Flavor:
If you want to add a nice caramelization to the sauce, you can broil the ribs for 3-5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. This step gives the ribs a lovely sticky glaze!
8. Rest and Slice:
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices to redistribute for the best flavor. Then, slice the ribs between the bones for serving.
9. Garnish and Serve:
For a nice touch, you can sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top of your ribs before serving. They add a pop of color and freshness!
10. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the spicy gochujang pork ribs hot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and mouthwatering meal! Perfect for sharing with friends or family!
FAQ about Easy Spicy Gochujang Pork Ribs
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork ribs are traditional, you can also use chicken wings or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time; chicken cooks faster, typically requiring about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply place the ribs in a slow cooker, cover them with the marinade, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This will make the ribs super tender!
What if I Don’t Have Gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute it with sriracha mixed with a bit of miso paste or red pepper flakes. This will give you a similar spiciness, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or microwave. For best results, avoid reheating on high to keep the meat tender.
