Honey Apple Glazed Baked Pork Ribs

These tender, oven-roasted pork ribs are steamed in a custom marinade of apple puree and aromatics before being finished with a glossy, caramelized honey-pepper glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 rack pork ribs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 apple
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp starch
• 2 tbsp black pepper sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. 1Clean the ribs with flour

   

   Place the raw pork ribs in a kitchen sink. Pour a generous amount of flour over the ribs to help absorb impurities and odors.

   Tip: Flour acts as an abrasive to thoroughly clean the meat surface.
2. 2Rinse the ribs

   

   Rinse the flour-coated pork ribs thoroughly under cold running water. Ensure all flour, blood, and impurities are washed away from both sides.

   Tip: Rinse several times to ensure the meat is completely clean.
3. 3Season the ribs

   

   Transfer the clean, raw pork ribs to a mixing bowl. Pour oyster sauce over the ribs to begin the seasoning process.

   Tip: No need to dry the meat before adding the sauce.
4. 4Add aromatics

   

   Sprinkle onion powder, ginger powder, and garlic powder evenly over the ribs. These staple powders add depth to the meat.

   Tip: You can use fresh minced onion, ginger, and garlic if you dont have the powders.
5. 5Prepare apple puree

   

   Place chopped apple pieces into a small electric food chopper and blend until they reach a smooth puree consistency.

   Tip: Apple and pork ribs are a perfect flavor match.
6. 6Add apple puree to ribs

   

   Pour the prepared apple puree over the seasoned pork ribs. Incorporate the puree evenly into the meat to enhance flavor and tenderness.

   Tip: Ensure the puree is distributed thoroughly over all sides of the ribs.
7. 7Add milk to the marinade

   

   Pour a small amount of milk over the pork ribs that have already been seasoned with spices, aromatics, and apple puree. The milk helps tenderize the meat, ensuring a succulent texture after roasting.

   Tip: Do not add too much milk; just a splash is sufficient to help with the tenderizing process.
8. 8Massage the marinade

   

   Using gloved hands, thoroughly massage the marinade, apple puree, and seasonings into every part of the pork ribs. Ensure the meat is evenly coated to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

   Tip: Take your time massaging the ribs to ensure the apple puree and spices are well-distributed across all sides.
9. 9Pierce the ribs

   

   Use a metal fork to poke holes into the surface of the marinated pork ribs, including the membrane on the back. This helps the marinade absorb quickly and deeply into the meat, especially useful if you are pressed for time.

   Tip: Focus on both the meaty side and the membrane side for best flavor penetration.
10. 10Wrap in foil

    

    Place the marinated pork ribs onto a sheet of aluminum foil and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal the foil tightly around the ribs to lock in the juices during the steaming process.

    Tip: Ensure the seal is airtight to prevent steam from escaping, which will keep the ribs moist.
11. 11Steam the ribs

    

    Carefully place the foil-wrapped ribs onto a steamer rack inside a pot with boiling water. Cover the pot and steam on low heat for one and a half hours.

    Tip: Make sure there is plenty of water in the pot to last for the full duration of the steaming process.
12. 12Prepare the glaze

    

    Take the juices produced from the steaming process and combine them with black pepper sauce, ketchup, and a small amount of honey in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to create a rich, flavorful glaze.

    Tip: Adjust the ratios of ketchup and honey to suit your preference for sweetness and acidity.
13. 13Glaze the ribs

    

    Take the steamed ribs out of the foil and brush the prepared sauce mixture—made from the reserved rib juices, black pepper sauce, ketchup, and honey—evenly over the entire surface of the meat.

    Tip: Ensure the glaze covers all sides of the ribs for a better caramelized finish during the roasting step.
14. 14Roast the ribs

    

    Place the glazed ribs onto a baking tray lined with foil and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake at 220°C for 20 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.

    Tip: Keep an eye on the ribs during the final few minutes of baking to ensure the honey-based glaze doesnt burn.
15. 15Slice and serve

    

    Once roasted, remove the ribs from the oven. Use a knife and fork to carefully slice the hot, tender pork ribs into individual portions to serve.

    Tip: Let the meat rest for a minute or two before slicing so the juices stay inside the ribs.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions