These Easy Asian Pork Ribs are juicy and full of flavor, thanks to a tasty marinade. Just pop them in the oven, and let the magic happen with minimal fuss!
Cooking these ribs is a breeze! I love serving them with rice and steamed veggies for a fun and cozy dinner that everyone enjoys. Just be ready for some finger-licking goodness! 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Baby back ribs are tender and meaty, while spare ribs have more flavor due to extra fat. You can use whichever you prefer or what’s on sale. Just adjust cooking times if using thicker cuts.
Soy Sauce: A key flavor in this recipe! If you’re watching your sodium, try low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Hoisin Sauce: This adds sweet and savory notes. If you can’t find it, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey can work as a substitute, but it won’t be quite the same.
Honey/Brown Sugar: Both work for sweetness. I usually stick to honey for a nice texture, but brown sugar adds a richer flavor. Just keep in mind the color and taste may vary slightly.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a punch of flavor. If you’re out, ground ginger can be used instead, but use less (about half) since it’s more concentrated.
How Can I Get the Ribs Tender and Juicy?
Getting perfectly tender ribs is all about low and slow cooking. Here’s how to make sure your ribs turn out just right:
- Preheat your oven well to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Wrapping the ribs in foil keeps moisture in, which is key to tenderness!
- Bake them until you see the meat pulling away from the bones; this typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- After uncovering, the high heat helps caramelize the sauce for that sticky finish—this is where most of the flavor comes in!
- Don’t skip the resting step at the end—it keeps the juices inside when you cut into them!
Easy Asian Pork Ribs Oven Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, with around 2 to 2.5 hours of baking time in the oven, plus an additional 15–20 minutes for the final roasting. Your total time will be about 3 hours, including resting before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature allows the ribs to cook slowly and become wonderfully tender.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey (or brown sugar), vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder (if using), and black pepper until everything is well mixed. This sweet and savory sauce is the star of your dish!
3. Prepare the Ribs:
Place the pork ribs on a large baking tray or roasting pan lined with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze! Brush the ribs generously with the marinade, but save some to baste them later.
4. Cover and Bake:
Tightly cover the ribs with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours. This slow cooking will make your ribs super tender, and you’ll know they’re ready when the meat starts to pull away from the bones.
5. Finish with a Glaze:
After baking, carefully remove the foil and baste the ribs with the reserved marinade. Turn the oven temperature up to 425°F (220°C) and return the ribs to the oven for an additional 15–20 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce and give the ribs a delicious sticky finish. Remember to baste again halfway through!
6. Let Rest and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the ribs rest for a few minutes to retain their juices. Then, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Enjoy your delicious, sticky, and flavorful Asian-style pork ribs with steamed rice and veggies for a wonderful meal! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Asian Pork Ribs Oven Recipe
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While baby back and spare ribs are the most common choices, you can also use St. Louis-style ribs or even pork belly for a different texture. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly, as thicker cuts may need more time to cook.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you’d like to add a kick to your ribs, try mixing in some sriracha, red pepper flakes, or minced chili peppers into the marinade. Adjust the amount to fit your spice preference. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
Can I Marinate the Ribs Overnight?
Yes! Marinating the ribs overnight in the fridge will enhance their flavor even more. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent any cross-contamination. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a little splash of broth or marinade to keep them moist while reheating!