These Easy Asian Pork Ribs are packed with flavor and super tender! Marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, they cook perfectly in the oven for a hassle-free meal.
Watching these ribs bake is almost as fun as eating them! I love serving them with rice and veggies. The cleanup is a breeze, and my taste buds thank me every time! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: I recommend baby back ribs for tenderness. If you prefer a meatier option, spare ribs are great too! Just remember, cooking times may vary with different cuts.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami kick! If you’re looking for a lower sodium option, there are low-sodium soy sauces available. Alternatively, tamari is a gluten-free substitute.
Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin gives a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, mixing soy sauce with a little sugar can work in a pinch, though it won’t taste exactly the same.
Honey: For a vegan option, agave syrup or maple syrup works well and will keep the sweetness intact!
Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, try apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. They won’t be as mild, but they can still add a nice tang.
How Do I Make Sure My Ribs Are Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender, juicy ribs is low and slow cooking! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by marinating the ribs in your sauce mixture for at least an hour in the fridge. Overnight is even better!
- When baking, cover the ribs with foil to trap steam, which keeps them moist. This is especially important during the first part of baking.
- Don’t skip the basting! Brushing on sauce as they bake helps build layers of flavor and that delicious sticky glaze we love.
After baking, rest your ribs for a few minutes before cutting. This helps keep the juices locked in, resulting in a more flavorful bite!
Easy Asian Pork Ribs Baked in the Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks pork ribs (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
- 1 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 and around 3 hours total, including baking time. You will let the ribs slow-cook for tenderness and then finish them off in a hotter oven to create a lovely glaze—making for a great balance of effort and delicious result!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). It’s essential to have the oven ready for the long cooking time. Also, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; it makes cleaning up a lot easier later!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, Sriracha, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. This will be your marinade and glaze!
3. Prepare the Ribs:
Take the pork ribs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, meaty side up. Brush them generously with about half of the sauce you just made. Don’t be shy; you want those flavors to soak in!
4. Bake Covered:
Cover the ribs tightly with the foil and pop them in your preheated oven. Let them bake for 2 to 2.5 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and nearly falling off the bone.
5. Glaze and Bake Uncovered:
After baking, take the ribs out and carefully remove the foil. Brush the remaining sauce all over the ribs. Now, crank the oven up to 425°F (220°C) and bake the ribs uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and baste them once or twice with the sauce; you want that nice caramelized, sticky look!
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once they’re beautifully glazed, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle so they’re juicy when you cut them! After resting, cut the ribs into individual pieces.
7. Final Touches:
Garnish your ribs with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that final pop of flavor and crunch!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your succulent ribs hot, alongside steamed rice or any of your favorite sides. You’re in for a treat with this delicious dish!
Enjoy your tender, glossy, and flavorful Asian-style pork ribs straight from the oven!
FAQ for Easy Asian Pork Ribs Baked in the Oven
Can I Use Different Cuts of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are preferred for their tenderness, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just note that cooking times may vary; spare ribs might need a bit longer to be tender.
How Can I Make These Ribs Spicier?
If you like a kick, increase the amount of Sriracha or chili sauce in the marinade. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat. Just be careful not to overdo it if you’re sensitive to spice!
Can I Prep the Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even tastier. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through to maintain their moisture.
