Sticky Asian Spareribs (Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender & Oven or BBQ Ready)
- Eliane Muskus
- May 29
- 3 min read
Slow-baked or grilled to perfection, these Asian-inspired spareribs are coated in a bold, sticky marinade with hoisin, garlic, sriracha, and maple syrup.
Sticky Asian-Inspired Spareribs: Sweet Heat Meets Fall-Off-the-Bone Perfection
As a chef, I’ve always loved exploring bold flavors—and these sticky spareribs are a delicious example of that. Inspired by Asian flavors I’ve come to appreciate through years of cooking and travel, this dish brings together sweet, savory, and spicy in a way that’s both comforting and exciting.
The base of this recipe goes back to one I first learned from my mother, who was a gourmet cook and believed in balancing flavor with high-quality ingredients. Over time, I gave it a modern twist with hoisin, sriracha, and a touch of maple syrup for a glossy, sticky finish. Whether you make these in the oven or finish them off on the BBQ, they’ll come out tender, bold, and impossible to resist.
This is comfort food with an edge—and I promise, it’s easier than it looks.
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🍯 Sticky Asian-Inspired Spareribs (Oven or BBQ)
Sweet heat, bold flavor, and that perfect fall-off-the-bone texture.
If you’re craving ribs with a delicious Asian twist, these sticky spareribs are the answer. They’re tender, spicy-sweet, and finished with a gorgeous caramelized glaze that clings to every bite. Whether you use the oven or fire up the grill, this recipe delivers irresistible flavor and crowd-pleasing results.
🥣 Ingredients
½ cup hoisin sauce
½ cup ketchup
½ cup sriracha (or your favorite spicy chili sauce)
2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (for a rich, glossy sweetness)
1 kg (2 lbs) pork spareribs, cut into individual ribs
Coarse salt, to taste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red chili, finely chopped (deseeded if you prefer less heat)
🔥 Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 120°C/250°F/110°Fan. If you're using a BBQ, prepare it for indirect low heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the hoisin, ketchup, sriracha, and maple syrup until smooth. Set aside about ¼ cup of this mixture in a small bowl—this will be your final glaze.
3. Lightly season the ribs with sea salt, then toss them in the large bowl of sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Arrange the ribs on a baking tray lined with foil. Place another sheet of foil on top and seal the edges tightly to create a foil packet. This traps the steam and keeps the ribs juicy and tender.
5. Bake for 2 hours. Low and slow is the secret to fall-off-the-bone perfection.
6. Once done, carefully open the foil packet. Watch for the steam—it will be hot! Turn up the oven heat to 200°C (400°F).
7. Transfer the ribs to a clean foil-lined tray and brush generously with the reserved sauce. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until the edges start to caramelize and slightly char. You can also pop them under the broiler for a few minutes or finish them on the BBQ for extra smokiness.
8. Serve hot, piled high on a platter. These ribs are sticky, bold, and packed with flavor—don’t forget the napkins!
🍚 Serving Ideas:
Pair these Asian-inspired ribs with:
✔️ Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
✔️ Asian cucumber salad with sesame and rice vinegar
✔️ Charred bok choy or baby corn with garlic
✔️ Kimchi slaw for a bold, tangy crunch
✔️ Or keep it simple with grilled veggies and a glass of chilled rosé
📌 You’ll Need:
1.5 to 2 kg pork spareribs (3.5 to 4 lbs)
The marinade
Extra BBQ sauce (optional, for final glaze)
👩🍳 Chef’s Notes & Tips
Use a rack – so they cook evenly and the fat drips away.
Rest before slicing – to keep all those juices in the meat, not on your cutting board.
Want to really impress? Finish them with a quick flash on a hot grill for a smoky edge.
Every time I prepare these ribs, I think of my mother—her effortless style, and how deeply she understood flavor. These spareribs are more than a recipe. They’re a memory. And now, they can become part of your story too.
So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, make a mess, and enjoy ribs the way they’re meant to be: tender, bold, and unforgettable.
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