Sweet Auburn Barbecue’s Smoked Char Siu Spare Ribs Recipe

It’s barbecue season, which means it’s time to impress your friends with this delicious recipe from Sweet Auburn Barbecue.

Indulge in the smoky, sweet and savory flavors of these Char Siu smoked spare ribs at your next backyard get together. They’re the perfect choice for those hot summer days and sure to impress. Be sure to head over to Sweet Auburn Barbecue to try the original afterwards!

Keep scrolling for the full recipe.

Sweet Auburn Barbecue’s Smoked Char Siu Spare Ribs Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of spare ribs
• ½ thumb-sized piece of ginger, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon five spice
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste or puree
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon Shao Xing rice wine
• 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 4 tablespoons honey

Directions:

1.  Prepare the Spare Ribs:

• Rinse the spare ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done easily by sliding a knife under the membrane, then grabbing it with a paper towel and pulling it off.

2.  Prepare the Glaze:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped ginger, garlic, five spice, white pepper, tomato paste, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Shao Xing rice wine, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and honey. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

3.  Marinate the Ribs:

• Place the spare ribs in a large shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
• Pour half of the glaze over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting during the smoking process.
• Massage the glaze into the meat.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag, then place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.

4.  Prepare the Smoker:

• If using a smoker, prepare it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Preheat the smoker to 225°F

(110°C) and add your choice of smoking wood chips or chunks. Apple, hickory, or cherry wood are great options for spare ribs.

5.  Smoke the Ribs:

• Remove the marinated spare ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature while the smoker is preheating.
• Place the ribs bone side down on the smoker rack, leaving space between each rack for proper airflow.
• Close the smoker lid and let the ribs smoke for 4-6 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 190-203°F (88-95°C) and the meat is tender.

6.  Glaze the Ribs:

• During the last hour of smoking, brush the ribs with the reserved glaze every 15-20 minutes to create a sticky, flavorful coating.
• Ensure each coat of glaze caramelizes slightly for maximum flavor and a beautiful finish.

7.  Serve:

• Once the ribs are cooked to perfection and have developed a beautiful glaze, remove them from the smoker.
• Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing them between the bones.
• Serve the Char Siu smoked spare ribs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.