Spicy Gochujang Pork Ribs

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  • Level: Intermediate
  • Total: 3 hr (plus overnight marinating)
  • Active: 30 min
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Sweet, savory and spicy, these tender pork ribs are coated in a bold gochujang marinade, cooked low and slow in the oven and finished on the grill until caramelized and glazed. While Korean BBQ-style pork ribs are often marinated as individual ribs and cooked quickly over high heat, this recipe borrows those same vibrant flavors and pairs them with the classic American low-and-slow approach to ribs. The result is juicy, tender meat with a sticky, flavorful glaze. Serve with potato salad and coleslaw for a traditional barbecue spread, or alongside rice and kimchi for a Korean-style meal. If you don’t have a grill, the ribs can be finished under the broiler with equally delicious results.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Remove the membranes from the backs of the ribs: Slip a butter knife between the bone and thin membrane on one end of each rack. Grab the loosened membrane with a paper towel, then pull it off.
  2. Season the racks on both sides with 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper per rack. Cut each rack in half for easier handling and place in a large bowl or food storage container. Let sit while you make the marinade.
  3. Combine the onion, apple, garlic, ginger, mirin, soy sauce and sesame oil in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the gochujang, brown sugar and gochugaru and blend again until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Remove 1 cup marinade and spread it all over the ribs until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Refrigerate the remaining marinade and reserve for glazing the ribs.
  5. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Arrange the ribs meat-side up on the rack and bake, rotating the pan halfway through, until the meat is tender but not falling apart, 2 hours 15 minutes to 21/2 hours.
  6. Glaze the ribs: Preheat a grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates. Brush the meat side of the ribs with some of the reserved marinade. Arrange the ribs meat-side down on the grill and brush the bone side with more marinade. Grill until lightly charred and the marinade looks set, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the ribs and brush the meat side again with the remaining marinade. Grill until lightly charred underneath, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip once more to lightly char the meat side, 1 to 2 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds. Cut into individual ribs.

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