Korean-Style Pork Ribs with Gochujang Barbecue Sauce
Tender pork ribs glazed in a spicy-sweet gochujang BBQ sauce, grilled to perfection with a smoky char and bold Korean flavors. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 195 minutes blends pork baby back ribs, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork baby back ribs
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/3 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the silver skin membrane from 3 lbs pork baby back ribs and season both sides evenly with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp ginger powder.
- Step 2: Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 275°F for 2.5 hours until tender.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the gochujang barbecue sauce by whisking together 1/3 cup gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat; simmer for 5 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove ribs from foil and brush generously with half of the gochujang sauce.
- Step 5: Grill ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with remaining sauce and turning until edges are slightly charred and sticky.
- Step 6: Remove ribs from grill, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions, then cut between bones and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Korean-Style Pork Ribs with Gochujang Barbecue Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Korean-Style Pork Ribs with Gochujang Barbecue Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Style Pork Ribs with Gochujang Barbecue Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Korean-Style Pork Ribs with Gochujang Barbecue Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Korean-Style Pork Ribs with Gochujang Barbecue Sauce?
Korean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
