Chinese BBQ Ribs (Char Siu Style)

These Chinese BBQ Ribs are made with the same marinade as the iconic char siu pork! The ribs are tender and moist. Packed with sweet and savory flavors, and finished with a sticky and glossy honey glaze.

📝 Ingredients

• 4 pounds baby back ribs
• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 3 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt (or 2-1/2 teaspoons table salt)
• 1 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chee hou sauce (or hoisin sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine
• 2 tablespoons fermented red bean curd (use 1 cube plus 1 tablespoon liquid, see substitutions)
• 1/8 teaspoon red food coloring (see notes)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons water (plus more as needed)
• A very small droplet of red food coloring (or about 1/2 tsp of the liquid from the red bean curd container)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients, breaking up the red bean curd cube. Set aside.
2. 2Cut the rack of ribs into 3 parts. This will make it easier to fit into a resealable bag for marinating, and also help with better flavor absorption.
3. 3Pour the marinade into the bag with the ribs, making sure everything is evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours (12-16 hours is ideal).
4. 4Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
5. 5Line a large baking pan with foil. Then place an oven-safe metal rack on top. Add a layer of just boiled hot water to the bottom of the pan. This will release steam and keep the ribs moist.
6. 6Bake, uncovered, for 35 minutes. If needed, refill the pan with more hot water.
7. 7In a bowl, combine all the honey glaze ingredients, and melt in the microwave oven for a few seconds until thin.
8. 8Remove the ribs from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Then, brush with the honey glaze all over generously. Return to the oven for another 10-12 minutes total. During this time, brush with the glaze every 3-5 minutes or until the edges are charred, and the ribs are fully cooked through in the center.
9. 9Let cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy!