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If you’re craving a dish that beautifully balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, look no further than Korean pork ribs. This recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Seoul with tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs that are bursting with umami goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these ribs are sure to impress and satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Korean pork ribs recipe is a crowd-pleaser that offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The ribs are marinated in a blend of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and spicy gochujang, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness. Plus, the slow-cooking process ensures the meat is tender and juicy. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how incredible your kitchen will smell while they cook!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet or baking dishes
- Aluminum foil
- Large zip lock bags (optional)
- Oven or grill
- Saucepan (for reducing marinade, if needed)
Ingredients
For Each Marinade:
- 2 slabs baby back ribs (5 to 7 pounds)
Sweet and Savory Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup rice wine (or mirin or white wine)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons finely grated ginger
- 1/2 medium onion, grated
- 1/2 medium sweet apple, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Spicy Marinade:
- 2/3 cup Korean red pepper paste (gochujang, 고추장)
- 1 to 3 teaspoons Korean red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru, 고추가루)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine (or mirin or white wine)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 1/2 medium onion, grated
- 1/2 medium sweet apple, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the Marinade
Prepare the ingredients for your chosen marinade and mix them well.
Preparing the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the ribs if it hasn’t been removed already. Cut each slab into two pieces for easier handling. Rinse and drain the ribs. Coat them thoroughly with the marinade and let them marinate for at least eight hours, preferably 24 to 48 hours. Turn them over halfway through the marinating time. Using large zip lock bags can make this process easier.
Cooking the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 325°F (300°F if using a convection oven). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange the ribs meat side down. If using the mild marinade, pour some marinade into the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1.5 hours (or 2 hours for fall-off-the-bone tenderness).
If you used the mild marinade, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan along with any reserved marinade. Boil and reduce it by half until it thickens. Brush the sauce onto the ribs. Skip this step if using the spicy marinade as it has less liquid.
Finishing the Ribs
Option 1: Change the oven setting to broil at 500°F. Broil the ribs until lightly caramelized and charred, about 5 minutes on each side, basting with sauce as you go.
Option 2: Preheat the grill and grill the ribs over medium heat until caramelized and charred, about 5 minutes on each side, basting with sauce while grilling.
Tips for Success
- Ensure to marinate the ribs long enough to infuse maximum flavor.
- Keep an eye on the ribs while broiling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the spiciness to your preference by varying the amount of gochugaru.
Additional Tips or Variations
- Try adding a touch of pineapple juice to the marinade for extra sweetness.
- Serve with sliced cucumbers and rice for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Coming soon! Check back for detailed nutritional information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different cut of ribs?
A: Yes, St-Louis style ribs are a great alternative.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference by reducing or increasing the gochujang and gochugaru.
Q: Can I prepare these ribs in advance?
A: Absolutely! Marinate them a day or two in advance for the best flavor.
Conclusion
These Korean pork ribs are a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and tender meat. I invite you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with me. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors and happy cooking!
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