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Oven Roasted Asian Pork Ribs (Easy & Sticky)

When it comes to comforting meals that pack a punch of flavour, few dishes can rival a plate of oven-roasted Asian pork ribs. With their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a glaze that’s sweet, savoury, and slightly sticky, these ribs are a definite crowd-pleaser. What’s more, this recipe is simple enough for even the most novice cook, allowing anyone to create a dish that tastes like it’s come straight out of a top-notch Asian restaurant.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1.5 kg pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp sesame oil

For Garnish:

• Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced spring onions (scallions)

Instructions

1. Preparing the Ribs

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). While it’s warming up, prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the underside. This step helps to ensure that your ribs become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavours you’ll be adding.

2. Making the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, black pepper, and sesame oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined—this aromatic marinade will impart incredible depth to the ribs.

3. Marinating the Ribs

Place the ribs in a large resealable bag or a deep dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring that they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with cling film and allow the ribs to marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours, but preferably overnight. This marination time is crucial for the flavours to penetrate deeply into the meat.

4. Roasting the Ribs

Once marinated, remove the ribs from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help them cook more evenly. Line a baking tray with foil (for easy cleanup) and place a rack inside. Arrange the ribs on the rack, meat side up.

Cover the tray tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until the ribs are very tender. The foil will trap moisture, ensuring the ribs stay juicy while cooking.

5. Glazing the Ribs

After the initial cooking period, carefully remove the foil. At this point, you should see the ribs glistening and tender. Brush the remaining marinade over the surface of the ribs, then return them to the oven uncovered. Increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step allows the marinade to caramelise and creates that alluring sticky texture.

6. Serving

Once the ribs are beautifully glazed and slightly charred, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into individual ribs. To serve, sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander, sesame seeds, and sliced spring onions for a burst of colour and added flavour.

Conclusion

These oven-roasted Asian pork ribs are not just a meal; they are an experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, they are sure to impress. With just a few easy steps and a handful of ingredients, you can create a sticky, flavour-packed dish that showcases the beauty of Asian cuisine. Serve with steamed rice or crispy coleslaw to round off your meal, and prepare for the compliments to roll in! Enjoy your cooking adventure with these delightful ribs!