Heavenly Sticky Asian Pork Ribs Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Joy

Succulent pork ribs coated in an irresistible tangy Asian-inspired glaze promise to electrify your taste buds.

Tender meat falls effortlessly from the bone with each delectable bite.

The combination of sweet, spicy, and zesty flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to the heart of Asian cuisine.

Bold marinades infuse every morsel with depth and complexity.

Balanced seasonings dance across your palate, promising a culinary adventure that’s both comforting and exciting.

You’ll find this recipe elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with these show-stopping ribs that blend traditional techniques with modern flair.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Sticky Asian Pork Ribs

• Salt: Enhances meat's natural flavors and helps create a perfect crust.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warming spiciness and depth to the meat.
• Garlic Powder: Provides intense garlic flavor without moisture.
• Onion Powder: Contributes sweet and savory undertones.
• Five-Spice Powder: Delivers classic Chinese flavor profile with warming complexity.
• Paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness and vibrant color.

• Hoisin Sauce: Delivers sweet and tangy base with rich umami character.
• Soy Sauce: Brings deep saltiness and traditional Asian depth.
• Honey: Creates glossy, caramelized finish with natural sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance rich flavors.
• Sriracha: Provides gentle heat and zesty kick.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, toasted essence.
• Fresh Garlic: Offers pungent, aromatic punch.
• Fresh Ginger: Contributes spicy, warming notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers subtle heat and texture.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Green Onions: Brings fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Provides bright, herbal freshness.

Basic Tools For Sticky Asian Pork Ribs

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting ribs in the oven.
• Aluminum foil: Essential for wrapping and sealing ribs during slow cooking.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for preparing the sticky glaze.
• Broiler pan or baking sheet: Used for caramelizing the glaze under high heat.
• Sharp knife: Needed for removing rib membrane and slicing cooked ribs.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for evenly coating ribs with sticky glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for seasonings and glaze ingredients.

Simple Steps For Sticky Asian Pork Ribs

• Prepare Flavor-Packed Ribs

Remove membrane from rib back for extra juiciness. Create a zesty spice blend using salt, black pepper, garlic powder, five-spice powder, and paprika. Thoroughly massage spices into meat, ensuring complete coverage. Wrap ribs securely in aluminum foil and place on baking sheet.

• Low and Slow Cooking Magic

Slide ribs into preheated oven at 300F. Allow meat to transform into tender deliciousness over 2.5 to 3 hours. Meat should effortlessly pull away from bone when perfectly cooked.

• Create Mouthwatering Asian Glaze

Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger in saucepan. Simmer mixture until it develops a rich, glossy consistency, stirring occasionally.

• Caramelize and Crisp

Discard any excess liquid from baking. Generously brush ribs with prepared glaze, covering every surface. Place under broiler for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to achieve sticky, caramelized edges without burning.

• Serve with Spectacular Flair

Allow ribs to rest briefly, then slice between bones. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Pair with steamed rice or crisp Asian-inspired side for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Cooking Advice For Sticky Asian Pork Ribs

• Tender Rib Rescue: Remove the membrane carefully to ensure maximum meat softness and flavor absorption.
• Glaze Master Trick: Brush sauce in multiple thin layers during broiling for a perfect caramelized, glossy finish without burning.
• Meal Prep Magic: These ribs can be prepared a day ahead and gently reheated, allowing flavors to deepen and intensify even more.
• Dietary Flexibility: For gluten-free version, swap traditional soy sauce with tamari and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free certified. Vegetarian option could replace pork with jackfruit or firm tofu, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
• Spice Level Control: Easily modify heat by reducing or eliminating sriracha and red pepper flakes for milder palates, or add extra for serious spice lovers.

Ways To Serve Sticky Asian Pork Ribs

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair these sticky Asian pork ribs with complementary sides that enhance the rich, tangy flavors.
• Asian Slaw Symphony: Whip up a crisp, zesty coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing to cut through the ribs' richness.
• Rice Bed Delight: Serve the ribs over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the glaze to seep into the grains for an extra burst of flavor.
• Veggie Harmony Plate: Roast or stir-fry colorful vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, and snap peas to create a balanced, vibrant side that complements the meaty ribs.

Storage Guide For Sticky Asian Pork Ribs

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover ribs in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator for maximum 3-4 days, ensuring meat stays moist and flavorful.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual rib portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm ribs in a preheated 350F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of extra glaze or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Meal Prep Genius: Prepare ribs in advance and store components separately. Keep cooked meat and glaze in different containers. Assemble and reheat just before serving to maintain crispy edges and vibrant flavors.

Tangy Asian Pork Ribs Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sticky Asian Pork Ribs blend savory and sweet flavors from traditional Chinese cuisine. Tender meat with caramelized glaze promises a memorable dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 racks (3 lbs or 1.36 kg) pork baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
• ½ cup hoisin sauce
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sriracha (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Membrane Removal: Peel off the back membrane from the ribs to maximize tenderness and flavor penetration.
2. Spice Infusion: Thoroughly coat the ribs with a comprehensive spice blend, massaging the seasonings deep into the meat to create an intense flavor foundation.
3. Foil Encasement: Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for slow, moisture-preserving cooking at 300°F for 2.5-3 hours.
4. Glaze Creation: Simultaneously develop a dynamic sauce by whisking together Asian-inspired condiments in a saucepan, reducing until the mixture achieves a glossy, clingy consistency.
5. Caramelization Process: Unwrap the ribs, discard cooking liquid, then generously brush with the prepared glaze. Transfer to the broiler, watching carefully as the surface transforms into a sticky, caramelized masterpiece with deep amber tones.
6. Finishing Touches: Let the ribs rest briefly, then slice between bones. Garnish with a vibrant sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro to elevate the presentation and add textural contrast.
7. Serving Suggestion: Plate alongside steamed jasmine rice or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw to complete this flavor-packed culinary experience.

Notes

• Remove Membrane Carefully: Peeling off the back membrane ensures ribs absorb marinade better and become more tender, preventing tough, chewy texture.
• Massage Spices Thoroughly: Generously coat ribs with spice blend, pressing deeply into meat to maximize flavor penetration and create rich, aromatic crust.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Wrapping ribs in foil traps steam, preventing dryness and guaranteeing succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat during slow cooking process.
• Glaze Management Technique: Watch caramelization closely during broiling to prevent burning, aiming for glossy, sticky surface without charring meat’s exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg