Name: Asian Spare Ribs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 3–4 lbs pork spare ribs; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Asian Spare Ribs offer a unique twist on traditional barbecue, delivering bold umami flavor with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and make an impressive main dish. Whether slow-roasted in the oven or cooked in a slow cooker, these ribs always turn out tender and delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pork spare ribs
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (freshly grated or minced)
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Sesame oil
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
Green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha if using. Mix well to form the marinade.
Place the spare ribs in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour the marinade over the ribs, coating them evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Baste the ribs with the juices and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes until the glaze thickens and caramelizes.
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy ribs: Add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or use gochujang for a Korean-inspired kick.
Sweet and sticky: Use honey instead of brown sugar for a shinier, thicker glaze.
Slow cooker method: Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, then broil in the oven for a caramelized finish.
Add citrus: A splash of orange juice or zest brightens the flavor.
Boneless option: Use pork country-style ribs for a meatier, boneless version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, though this may reduce the crispiness of the glaze.

FAQs

Can I make Asian Spare Ribs in a slow cooker?

Yes, just place the ribs and marinade in the slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours. Finish under the broiler for a caramelized top.

Do I need to marinate the ribs beforehand?

It’s not required, but marinating them for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavor even more.

Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?

Yes, baby back ribs work well and cook slightly faster due to their smaller size.

Is hoisin sauce necessary?

Hoisin adds depth and sweetness, but you can substitute with extra soy sauce and a bit of honey if needed.

What sides go well with these ribs?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, Asian slaw, or even noodles pair perfectly with these flavorful ribs.

Can I grill the ribs instead of baking them?

Yes, you can pre-cook the ribs in the oven and finish them on the grill for a smoky flavor.

How do I know the ribs are done?

The meat should be very tender and pull away easily from the bone.

Are these ribs gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I freeze cooked spare ribs?

Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How can I make them less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar or use a low-sugar hoisin sauce to tone down the sweetness.

Conclusion

Asian Spare Ribs are the ultimate combination of tender, flavorful meat and a sticky, savory glaze that’s sure to impress. Perfect for weekend dinners or sharing with guests, they bring a delicious Asian flair to your table with minimal effort. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Asian Spare Ribs

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Asian Spare Ribs are tender pork ribs coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze made with soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Baked or slow-cooked to perfection, they’re an irresistible fusion dish ideal for dinner or gatherings.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using) to create the marinade.
Place the spare ribs in a large baking dish or roasting pan and pour the marinade over them, coating well.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
Remove foil, increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and baste the ribs with the pan juices.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the glaze thickens and caramelizes.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Marinate the ribs overnight for deeper flavor, though it’s optional.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of sriracha or add chili flakes.
Try honey instead of brown sugar for a shinier glaze.
Use a slow cooker for a hands-off method; finish under the broiler for caramelization.
Baby back ribs or boneless country-style ribs can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/5 of recipe)
Calories: 520
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg