These Easy Asian Oven-Baked Pork Ribs are tender and full of flavor! With a sweet and tangy glaze made from soy sauce, honey, and spices, they will make your taste buds dance!
Cooking them in the oven means no grilling hassle, just pop them in and relax. I love serving these ribs with rice and some veggies for an easy meal that feels special! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Baby back ribs are tender and flavorful, perfect for this dish. If you can’t find baby back ribs, spare ribs can also work well, but they might take a little longer to cook.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari as a substitute—it has a similar flavor profile.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps caramelize the ribs. You can swap it with maple syrup or agave syrup if needed, especially for a vegan option.
Hoisin Sauce: This sauce gives a unique sweetness and umami. If you don’t have hoisin sauce, mix equal parts soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of sugar for a quick substitute.
Five-Spice Powder: This blend adds depth. If you don’t have it, try using a mix of ground cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, or just stick with garlic and ginger for a simpler flavor.
How Do I Make the Ribs Extra Tender?
For perfectly tender ribs, the key is the slow cooking method. Cooking at 300°F allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth ribs. Check these tips:
- Remove the membrane from the ribs to make them more tender. This can be easily done with a paper towel to grip it.
- Baste the ribs every 30 minutes with marinade. It helps to keep the meat juicy!
- Finish at a higher temperature to caramelize the glaze for those crispy edges.
How to Make Easy Asian Oven-Baked Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back pork ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds each)
For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to cook, including baking time to get those ribs tender and delicious. Just a bit of patience, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is perfect for slow-cooking the ribs! Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up, then place a wire rack on top.
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Take a moment to remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the meat become tender during cooking. Use a paper towel to grip and pull it off easily.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, and black pepper. This will be the flavorful marinade for your ribs!
4. Marinade the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the wire rack. Brush both sides generously with the marinade you just made; don’t forget to save some marinade for later! Cover the ribs loosely with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
5. Bake the Ribs:
Put the ribs in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Check for tenderness; the meat should pull away easily from the bone when they are done. Every 30 minutes, take the ribs out to baste them with the remaining marinade for extra flavor.
6. Crisp the Ribs:
Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake the ribs uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to get a nice caramelized crust. Brush them with any leftover marinade one last time for great flavor!
7. Let Them Rest:
When done, take the ribs out of the oven and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps to keep them juicy!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish the ribs with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Serve them hot with steamed rice and your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful Asian oven-baked pork ribs—perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use St. Louis Style Ribs Instead?
Absolutely! St. Louis style ribs will work great, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time compared to baby back ribs due to the extra fat and meat. Just be sure to check for tenderness before removing them from the oven.
Can These Ribs Be Made in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the ribs and marinate them a day ahead. Just cover them and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, bring them back to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
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, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but watch that they don’t dry out!
Can I Freeze These Ribs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked ribs! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They will stay good for about 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
