Smoked Char Siu Pork Ribs

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Experience the irresistible charm of smoking combined with the classic sweetness of Chinese BBQ. These juicy, tender Char Siu pork ribs feature a caramelized, sticky glaze that will leave you craving more.

↓ The ingredients ↓ The steps

Char Siu is a beloved Cantonese style of barbecued pork, traditionally roasted to achieve a signature glossy, sweet-and-savory crust. By moving this classic technique to the smoker, the ribs absorb a deep, wood-fired complexity that elevates the traditional flavors. The slow smoking process ensures the meat remains exceptionally juicy and tender, falling right off the bone while maintaining that iconic sticky glaze.

Succulent smoked Char Siu pork ribs with a glossy reddish-brown glaze, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions.
Succulent smoked Char Siu pork ribs with a glossy reddish-brown glaze, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions.
Prep15 mins
Cook4 hr
Total4 hr 15 mins
Yield4 servings
DifficultyMedium
Calories650 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the pork ribs
    A rack of raw pork ribs resting inside a stainless steel mixing bowl.

    Place the raw pork ribs into a large metal mixing bowl, ensuring they are well-arranged to prepare them for the marinade.

    Tip: Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel before marinating to ensure the sauce adheres better to the meat.
  2. 2Apply the marinade
    A rich, dark marinade being poured over a rack of raw pork ribs in a metal bowl.

    Pour your prepared dark Char Siu-style marinade generously over the raw pork ribs in the bowl, ensuring all sides are covered.

    Tip: For the best flavor, allow the ribs to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  3. 3Massage the marinade
    Gloved hands massaging dark marinade into a rack of raw pork ribs.

    Using gloved hands, thoroughly massage the marinade into the meat. Ensure every crevice of the ribs is well-coated for maximum flavor infusion.

    Tip: Working the sauce into the meat by hand helps the flavors penetrate deeper than simply pouring the sauce on top.
  4. 4Place ribs in the smoker
    Marinated pork ribs being placed on the internal racks of a red charcoal smoker.

    Carefully arrange the marinated ribs onto the smoker racks, ensuring there is enough space between them for smoke to circulate evenly.

    Tip: Preheat your smoker to a consistent temperature before adding the ribs to ensure steady, even cooking.
  5. 5Glaze the ribs
    A brush applying a thick, glossy red glaze onto smoking pork ribs.

    During the final stage of the smoking process, brush a thick layer of glaze over the ribs. This builds the signature deep, glossy, reddish-brown color and sticky crust.

    Tip: Apply the glaze in the final stage of smoking to prevent the sugars from burning too quickly.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerator
3–4 days
Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Vacuum seal or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
15–20 min
Reheat covered in foil in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through to retain moisture. Apply a little extra glaze before serving if desired.

Burn It Off

Running
~65 minutes at a moderate pace (~10 km/h).
Free Dancing
~1 hour 25 minutes of energetic free dancing.
Leisurely Cycling
~1 hour 45 minutes of relaxed riding (~15 km/h).

Frequently Asked Questions

Fruitwoods like apple, cherry, or peach work wonderfully as their mild, sweet smoke profile balances the rich, sugary Char Siu glaze without overpowering it.
Yes! Bake them covered in foil at 275°F (135°C) for about 2.5 to 3 hours until tender, then uncover, baste with extra glaze, and broil for a few minutes until sticky and caramelized.
Char Siu marinade has a high sugar content (from ingredients like honey or maltose), which burns easily. Only apply the final thick layers of glaze during the last 30 to 45 minutes of smoking.
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