These Spicy Chinese Barbeque Riblets offer a wonderful combination of heat and sweetness. The soy sauce, hoisin, and honey create a rich and sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully, while the five-spice powder and chili garlic sauce provide a burst of Asian-inspired flavors. Each bite delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, making it the perfect dish for a weekend BBQ or cozy family dinner.
This recipe is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and lets the oven do most of the work. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, these riblets are sure to be a hit. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and a beautiful presentation. Serve alongside steamed rice or a fresh cucumber salad to complete this savory meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork riblets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (or more for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, chili garlic sauce, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
- Place the riblets in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they’re well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Arrange the riblets on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and cover the ribs with another sheet of foil to seal in the moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), remove the top foil, and continue baking the ribs for another 15-20 minutes to allow them to caramelize and develop a deep, sticky glaze.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
List 10 other ways to call the same exact dish with different words:
- Spicy Chinese BBQ Pork Riblets
- Sweet and Spicy Asian Riblets
- Hoisin-Glazed Barbecue Riblets
- Tangy Sriracha Chinese Ribs
- Chinese-Style Glazed Pork Riblets
- Five-Spice Barbecue Riblets
- Sticky Asian Barbecue Ribs
- Caramelized Chinese Pork Riblets
- Sweet and Savory Chinese Barbecue Ribs
- Chinese-Inspired Oven-Baked Riblets
More Recipe Tips:
1. Marination Tips:
For the best flavor, let the riblets marinate overnight. This allows the spices and sauces to penetrate deep into the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful when cooked. If you’re in a hurry, try marinating for at least 2 hours to still get a nice flavor profile.
2. Cooking Methods:
While this recipe calls for oven baking, you can also try grilling the riblets. After marinating, preheat your grill to medium heat, cook the riblets for about 15-20 minutes per side, and baste with the leftover marinade. This will give the riblets a smoky flavor while keeping the glaze intact.
3. Variations:
- For a sweeter version: Add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the marinade.
- For extra heat: Increase the amount of Sriracha or add red pepper flakes for an even spicier kick.
- For a tangier taste: Mix in a tablespoon of lime or lemon juice for a citrusy contrast.
4. Side Dish Pairings:
Serve these spicy riblets with classic side dishes like steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple Asian-style slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-soy dressing.
Serving Ideas:
- Party Platter: Arrange the riblets on a large platter with garnishes of green onions, fresh cilantro, and lemon wedges. Serve with small bowls of dipping sauces like soy sauce, extra Sriracha, or a mild sweet chili sauce.
- Casual Dinner: Serve the riblets on a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fried rice, along with sautéed bok choy or broccoli. A bowl of miso soup or a side of dumplings would complement the meal nicely.
- Street Food Style: For a fun twist, chop the riblets into bite-sized pieces and serve them on skewers with a drizzle of extra glaze. This makes them a great option for a finger-food-style dinner or outdoor gathering.
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Nutritional Information:
Each serving of Spicy Chinese Barbeque Riblets provides approximately:
- 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fats: 18g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Sugars: 8g
The exact nutritional values can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Leftovers: Store leftover riblets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain the crispy glaze on the riblets. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the texture may become softer.
Pro Tip for Garnishing:
For an extra burst of flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat before garnishing the riblets. Toasting enhances the nutty aroma of the seeds, giving the dish a delicious finishing touch.
Customizing the Recipe for Dietary Preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option:
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals. - Lower Sodium Version:
Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of hoisin sauce to lower the overall salt content while maintaining flavor.
Spicy Barbecue Fusion:
If you want a fusion of flavors, try mixing in Korean gochujang (fermented chili paste) along with Sriracha. This adds a unique depth to the spiciness, creating a balance of heat and umami that’s popular in both Chinese and Korean cuisine.
Conclusion:
The Spicy Chinese Barbeque Riblets are a wonderful way to bring the rich, complex flavors of Chinese cuisine to your dining table. This recipe not only highlights the traditional use of ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin, and Chinese five-spice but also adds a modern twist with the addition of Sriracha for a satisfying kick of heat. The combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors makes these riblets a true delight for the taste buds, offering a harmonious balance that will appeal to a wide variety of palates.
One of the best aspects of this dish is its flexibility. You can adjust the marinade to make it spicier or sweeter, depending on your preferences, and you can experiment with different sides to suit your meal. Whether you’re serving them with rice, noodles, or a light vegetable stir-fry, these riblets will shine as the star of the meal.
Furthermore, this dish is ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. The riblets’ glossy, caramelized glaze gives them an appetizing appearance that will impress your guests, while the ease of preparation makes them an excellent option for weekday dinners or weekend barbecues. By simply preparing the marinade ahead of time, you can reduce the cooking process to under an hour, making this recipe both time-efficient and rewarding.
From its fragrant aroma while cooking to the satisfying bite of tender pork, this recipe encapsulates everything you love about a well-balanced dish. The simple yet flavorful marinade penetrates the meat deeply, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor, while the garnishes of sesame seeds and green onions provide the perfect contrast in texture and color.
Lastly, the versatility of this dish is worth noting. By changing up the protein—perhaps substituting the riblets with chicken wings or tofu—you can easily tailor this recipe to fit different dietary needs or preferences. With such adaptability, these riblets are guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection, offering endless opportunities to experiment with flavors and make the dish your own.