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Chinese BBQ Ribs (叉烧排骨)
Richly seasoned and perfectly roasted, Chinese BBQ ribs are an easy and tasty way to cook pork ribs. Both oven-roasting and air-frying methods are included.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Marinate
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 50 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Chinese
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork ribs each rack measures about 1.5 lbs (680g)
- 6 tablespoon Char Siu sauce or hoisin sauce (see note 1)
- 2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or fine garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground chili see note 2
- Red food coloring optional
- 1 thumb-sized ginger sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey or syrup
Instructions
Marinate
- Lay each rack of ribs on a piece of aluminium foil (big enough to wrap around the ribs. Use two layers if the foil is very thin). Tear off the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- In a bowl, mix char siu sauce, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, five-spice powder, garlic powder, ground chili, and food coloring (if using) until well combined.
- Generously brush the mixture over both sides of the ribs. Then place sliced ginger over the top of the ribs. Wrap each rack tightly with the foil.
- Leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours (Do not exceed 24 hours). Bring them back to room temperature 1 hour before you start the roasting process.
Cup of Yum
Option 1: Oven-Roasting
- Preheat the oven to 410°F (210°C/Fan 190°C/Gas 6).
- Take the ribs out of the foil (discard the ginger) and place them onto a wire rack that sits inside a roasting tray. Add some hot water to the tray (make sure it doesn’t touch the ribs).
- Place the tray into the oven. Leave to roast for 35 minutes (add more water if when it dries out).
- Take out and brush a layer of honey over the topside of the ribs. Put the tray back into the oven (add more water if necessary).
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7). Roast for a further 10 minutes or so until the ribs char a little on the edge.
Option 2: Air-Frying
- Preheat the air-fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the marinated ribs (discard the ginger) over the crisper tray without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Brush honey over the top side of the ribs. Cook 2 more minutes until the ribs char a little.
Rest & serve
- Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes. Separate each rib with a sharp knife and serve immediately.
Notes
- The char siu sauce I use is from Lee Kum Kee/李锦记. It’s available in most Chinese shops and online shopping platforms. You may use other brands too.
- Ground chili refers to dried chili pepper in powder form. Depending on your tolerance to heat, you may use cayenne powder, paprika, Gochugaru (Korean chili powder), etc.