Oven-Baked Char Siu Pork Ribs (Chinese BBQ)

Create irresistible, restaurant-quality char siu pork ribs right in your oven. With a savory-sweet marinade and a sticky honey glaze, these ribs are incredibly tender and perfectly caramelized.

Ingredients

• 5 thick cuts pork ribs
• 5 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp char siu sauce
• 0.5 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp zhao sauce or hoisin
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp white sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1Slice the garlic

   

   Take a handful of garlic cloves and slice them thinly on a wooden board to prepare them for the marinade.

   Tip: Slice the garlic evenly so the flavors release well during the baking process.
2. 2Arrange garlic on ribs

   

   Place the freshly sliced garlic cloves directly on top of the raw pork ribs inside a clean metal tray, preparing them for the upcoming marination steps.

   Tip: Drain any excess moisture from the garlic and ribs before assembling to help the seasonings adhere better.
3. 3Add char siu sauce

   

   Scoop and add three large spoons of char siu sauce directly onto the pork ribs and garlic layer to build a rich, savory-sweet flavor base.

   Tip: Ensure the spoons are generous to cover the surface area of the ribs adequately.
4. 4Squeeze oyster sauce

   

   Apply about half a spoon of oyster sauce over the existing layer of char siu sauce and ribs to enhance the umami depth of the marinade.

   Tip: Squeeze evenly across the sauce cluster to make subsequent mixing easier.
5. 5Sprinkle white pepper

   

   Spread a generous amount of white pepper over the ribs and sauce mixture, which adds a distinct and desirable aromatic kick to the meat.

   Tip: Do not shy away from the white pepper, as it brings out a wonderful fragrance during baking.
6. 6Drizzle light soy sauce

   

   Drizzle about one tablespoon of light soy sauce directly into the tray to tie all the seasonings together with a balanced salty note.

   Tip: Pour in a steady motion to control the amount and avoid over-salting.
7. 7Add salt to the ribs

   

   Sprinkle half a teaspoon of salt directly onto the pork ribs and seasonings to balance the savory flavor profile.

   Tip: Control the salt carefully since the char siu and soy sauces already contribute sodium.
8. 8Massage the marinade into the ribs

   

   Put on gloves and thoroughly massage the mixed seasonings, sauces, and garlic slices into every surface of the pork ribs so they are evenly coated.

   Tip: Massage firmly to help the marinade penetrate deeply into the meat.
9. 9Arrange ribs on the baking basket

   

   Take the garlic slices out of the bowl and scatter them onto the metal baking basket, then place the marinated pork ribs on top.

   Tip: Ensure the ribs are positioned flat to bake evenly.
10. 10Place the ribs into the oven

    

    Slide the baking basket loaded with the seasoned pork ribs into the oven for the first round of slow baking. Set the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake for 15 minutes.

    Tip: Use a moderate temperature initially to cook the meat through without burning the exterior sauce.
11. 11Flip the ribs

    

    After the first bake is complete, use tongs to carefully flip the pork ribs over. Return them to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes at the same temperature.

    Tip: Handle gently to keep the rack intact and ensure both sides cook evenly.
12. 12Brush with honey and sauce mixture

    

    Combine some honey with the leftover sauce juice in a plate and mix them thoroughly. Use a brush to evenly apply this mixture across the surface of the pre-baked pork ribs.

    Tip: Brushing honey and sauce before the final bake gives the ribs a glossy finish and a delicious caramelized crust.
13. 13Bake for the third time at high heat

    

    Place the brushed pork ribs back into the oven for the final round of baking. Set the oven to a high heat of 200 degrees and bake for 5 minutes.

    Tip: Keep a close watch during this final high-heat bake so the honey coating caramelizes perfectly without burning.
14. 14Cut the baked ribs into long strips

    

    Once the baking time is complete and the ribs are fully cooked and aromatic, remove them from the oven. Use kitchen tongs to hold the ribs and cut them into long strips on a cutting board.

    Tip: Cutting the ribs into long strips makes them easier to handle and ensures an ultra-satisfying bite.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions