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Smoked Char Siu Baby Back Ribs

This recipe is another reason why we need to legalize marijuana federally, if not globally. Without it, I might not have came up with this concept. Char siu is my absolute favorite. So why not marinate ribs in char siu marinade and smoke them? It happened. All I can say is that this might be my favorite way to prepare ribs. It’s rather simple to do. It will take some patience since it’s really a 3 day process if marinating, 1 day of drying, and the next day to smoke. If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake these in the oven at 300 degrees for 2 1/2 hours, wrapped in foil. Then place the ribs under the broiler, brushing the ribs with the cooked marinade every 3 minutes until the top side is browned.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Marinating Time3 days
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: appetizer, Chinese, East Asian, electric smoker, main course, Pork
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • Electric Smoker

Ingredients

  • 2 racks baby back ribs

Marinade

  • 3 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey + 1 extra tbsp for glazing
  • 3 tbsp shaoxing cooking wine
  • 3 red bean curd cubes + 2 tbsp of liquid
  • 1 1/2 tbsp five spice powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves minced

Wood Chips

  • 1/2 cherrywood
  • 1/2 applewood

Instructions

  • Mix all of the marinade ingredients together.
    Chinese, main course, pork, smoker
  • Place the baby backs in a gallon sized storage bag. Pour in all of the marinade. Marinate for 3 days; flipping the bag over a couple of times a day.
    Chinese, main course, pork, smoker
  • After the ribs have marinated, place on a rack and let dry out in the refrigerator for a day. Save the marinade. Let sit at room temp for 1 hour prior to smoking.
    Chinese, main course, pork, smoker
  • Place the ribs in a preheated 250 degree electric smoker.
    Chinese, main course, pork, smoker
  • Simmer the saved marinade with an extra tbsp of honey for 10minced until reduced. At the 2 hour mark of smoking, brush a layer of the marinade on the racks of ribs. Smoke for another hour, brushing another layer of the marinade on the ribs. Some for 1 more hour.
    Chinese, main course, pork, smoker
  • Let the ribs rest for !5 minutes before serving.
    Chinese, main course, pork, smoker