Authentic Thai Grilled Ribs
Spicy Herb Dipping Sauce
Juicy, caramelized Thai grilled ribs featuring a fragrant cilantro root marinade and a fiery, tangy sweet-and-sour herb dipping sauce.
Thai grilled ribs strike an incredible balance of smoky charred flavor, rich spices, and vibrant acidity. Marinated with aromatic cilantro root, garlic, and savory soy sauces, then oven-roasted to caramelized perfection, they are traditionally paired with a zesty, herb-packed dipping sauce that instantly transports you to the street food stalls of Thailand.
Ingredients
- 1 kg pork ribs
- 4 to 5 roots cilantro roots
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp pepper powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 red onion
- 2 tbsp minced mint
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 3 to 4 birds eye chili
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp black pepper powder
Instructions
- 1Chop cilantro roots

Place the cleaned cilantro roots on a wooden cutting board and chop them finely with a knife to release their aromatic flavors for the marinade.
Tip: Cilantro roots are packed with essential oils that provide an authentic Thai fragrance, so do not discard them. - 2Prep garlic and cilantro roots

Gather peeled garlic cloves and the freshly chopped cilantro roots together on the cutting board, preparing them to be blended into a paste.
Tip: Ensure the garlic is peeled completely to maintain a smooth texture during blending. - 3Season the pork ribs

Pour light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper powder, and sugar directly over the raw pork ribs and chopped aromatics inside a metal mixing bowl.
Tip: Add the sauces evenly across the surface of the ribs to ensure uniform flavor distribution during marination. - 4Marinate the pork ribs

Use your hands to thoroughly mix and massage the marinade into the pork ribs inside a metal bowl, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the spices and sauces.
Tip: Massage the ribs well to help the meat absorb the rich flavors quickly before refrigeration. - 5Prepare dipping sauce base

Add finely chopped red onion and fresh herbs into a clear glass bowl as the foundational base for the signature Thai dipping sauce.
Tip: Dice the red onions finely so they blend smoothly with the liquid ingredients of the sauce. - 6Mix the Thai dipping sauce

Combine all the dipping sauce ingredients together and stir well using a spoon in a clear glass bowl until fully incorporated.
Tip: Adjust the balance of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili powder to achieve the classic sweet, sour, and spicy Thai profile. - 7Place ribs into the oven

Arrange the marinated pork ribs neatly on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil, then slide the tray into the preheated oven to bake.
Tip: Ensure the tray is lined properly with foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier after baking. - 8Flip the ribs midway through baking

Use a pair of chopsticks to carefully flip each piece of grilled pork ribs over on the baking tray to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
Tip: Remember to turn the ribs over midway through the cooking time for an optimal charred exterior and juicy interior.