Easy Grilled Chinese-Style Spare Ribs Recipe

These homemade Chinese-style spare ribs will transport your taste buds straight to flavor town. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, these ribs are sure to become a family favorite.

Our recipe combines the rich flavors of hoisin and soy sauce with a touch of sherry and aromatic Chinese five-spice powder. The result? Tender, juicy ribs with a caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these ribs are guaranteed to impress.

Recipe Overview

Prepare to tantalize your senses with these mouthwatering Chinese-style spare ribs. The magic starts with a flavorful marinade that infuses the meat overnight. Then, we’ll slow-cook the ribs to perfection on the grill, finishing with a high-heat sear for that coveted caramelized exterior. The result? Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1/4 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder
• One 2-pound slab spareribs, preferably St. Louis style, cut into individual ribs

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, dry sherry, minced garlic, sugar, red food coloring, and Chinese five-spice powder. This aromatic mixture will serve as our flavor-packed marinade.
2. Place the individual ribs in a large ziplock bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and gently massage to ensure each rib is evenly coated. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it completely. Place in the refrigerator and let the flavors meld for at least one hour, or preferably overnight for maximum taste infusion.
3. When you’re ready to cook, remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature while you prepare the grill. Light a chimney 3/4 full of charcoal. Once the charcoal is fully lit and covered with gray ash, carefully pour the hot coals onto one side of the charcoal grate, creating a two-zone fire. For gas grill users, set half the burners to medium-high heat.
4. Clean and oil the grilling grate to prevent sticking. Place the marinated ribs on the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct heat. Don’t discard the marinade – we’ll use it for basting later. Cover the grill and maintain a steady temperature of 350°F (175°C).
5. After 35 minutes, it’s time to baste and flip. Brush the ribs with the reserved marinade, then carefully flip them over and baste the other side. Cover and continue cooking for another 35 minutes.
6. For the grand finale, give the ribs a final baste with any remaining marinade. Now, move them directly over the hot coals or burners. Grill for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the exterior is beautifully glazed and browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Once your ribs have reached grilled perfection, remove them from the heat. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This brief pause will reward you with incredibly tender and flavorful meat.

Notes

• For an authentic takeout appearance, the red food coloring is traditional. However, feel free to omit it if you prefer; it won’t affect the delicious taste.
• Can’t find St. Louis style ribs? Regular spare ribs work great too. Just adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
• Leftover ribs? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re delicious cold or gently reheated.
• Pair these ribs with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete Chinese-inspired feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chinese-style spare ribs are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. The combination of hoisin, soy, and five-spice powder creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. The slow grilling process ensures that every bite is tender and juicy, while the final sear locks in the flavors and creates that irresistible caramelized crust.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, game day gatherings, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special. So fire up that grill and get ready to impress your family and friends with these mouthwatering Chinese-style spare ribs!