These Thai-Style Sweet Chili Ribs are a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. The combination of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime adds an extra layer of freshness and brightness to the rich, savory flavors of the ribs.
Perfect for your next BBQ or a family dinner, these ribs will impress everyone with their unique Thai-inspired flavors. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or simply enjoying a weeknight meal, these ribs are a surefire hit. The sticky glaze, paired with the tender meat, creates a dish that is both satisfying and packed with flavor.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon ginger, grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup fish sauce
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1/4 cup rice vinegar
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1/4 cup water
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
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Fresh cilantro for garnish
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Lime wedges for serving
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
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Rub the ribs with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, meaty side up.
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Cover with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
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While the ribs are baking, make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ginger, garlic, fish sauce, rice vinegar, water, brown sugar, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
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If a thicker sauce is desired, whisk in cornstarch and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Once the ribs are tender, remove from the oven. Brush the ribs generously with the sweet chili sauce mixture.
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Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
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Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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Serve the ribs with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2.5 – 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours | Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes Thai-Style Sweet Chili Ribs Special?
The beauty of this dish lies in the combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Sweet chili sauce, a staple in Thai cuisine, is a sweet and tangy concoction that adds a delicate balance of heat and sugar. When brushed over ribs, this sauce creates a beautiful caramelized coating that locks in the moisture and enhances the natural flavor of the meat. The result is a sticky glaze that’s bursting with rich, aromatic flavors. This sweet and spicy balance makes these ribs stand out, delivering a delicious contrast to the savory smokiness of the grilled meat.
Incorporating Thai ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil takes this dish beyond the ordinary. The fish sauce offers a depth of umami that complements the sweetness of the chili sauce, while the lime juice gives the ribs a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness. The addition of sesame oil brings an earthy, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish. This unique blend of ingredients delivers a multi-dimensional flavor profile that is both exotic and comforting.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re a fan of grilled meats and love experimenting with new flavors, Thai-Style Sweet Chili Ribs are a must-try. This dish is perfect for BBQ season, but it’s also a great option for special occasions or weeknight dinners. Whether you’re looking for something different to serve at your next cookout or want to add a new favorite to your recipe repertoire, these ribs are sure to impress.
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its versatility. The glaze can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. If you prefer spicier food, feel free to add extra chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it more heat. On the other hand, if you want to mellow the spice, you can tone down the chili sauce and add a little more brown sugar for a sweeter finish. This flexibility makes it easy to create a version of Thai-Style Sweet Chili Ribs that is perfect for your palate.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Ribs
Choosing the right cut of ribs is key to achieving the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Baby back ribs are the ideal choice for this recipe. They are known for their tenderness and relatively lean meat, which makes them perfect for slow cooking and glazing. The meat from baby back ribs tends to be more tender compared to spare ribs, which are meatier and often take longer to cook. The tenderness of baby back ribs makes them a popular choice for grilling, as they can absorb the flavors of the marinade and glaze more easily.
Another option is to go for St. Louis-style ribs, which are cut from the belly of the pig and have a bit more fat, resulting in a richer, juicier rib. However, regardless of which type you choose, be sure to remove the silver skin before cooking. The silver skin is a thin membrane that can make the ribs tough and chewy, so it’s best to remove it to ensure a tender, flavorful result.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Ribs
Grilling ribs can be an art, but with the right techniques, you’ll be able to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness and a beautiful caramelized glaze every time. One of the keys to cooking ribs is low and slow heat. By cooking the ribs at a lower temperature over an extended period, the collagen in the meat breaks down, resulting in tender, juicy ribs. For best results, cook the ribs in a two-stage process: first, bake them at a low temperature to render the fat and make them tender; then, finish them on the grill to get that perfect smoky flavor and crisp, charred edges.
Baking First for Tender Ribs
The baking process ensures that your ribs are tender before they hit the grill. When you bake the ribs wrapped in foil, the meat steams in its own juices, which helps break down the tough connective tissue and make it tender. Once the ribs are tender and cooked through, you can then glaze them with the sweet chili sauce and finish them on the grill or under the broiler for that perfect caramelized finish. This method gives you the best of both worlds: tender meat and a crispy, flavorful glaze.
How to Glaze the Ribs
The sweet chili glaze is where the magic happens. The glaze not only adds flavor, but it also forms a sticky coating that gives the ribs their signature shine and sweetness. After the ribs are baked and tender, brush the sweet chili sauce generously over the ribs. Then, place them under the broiler or on the grill for a few minutes, just long enough to allow the glaze to bubble and caramelize. Be careful not to burn the glaze, as the sugar in the sauce can cause it to scorch quickly. Keep a close eye on the ribs during this final step to ensure they get that perfect charred finish without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions for Thai-Style Sweet Chili Ribs
These ribs are best enjoyed on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of side dishes that complement their bold flavors. Consider pairing them with a refreshing Thai-inspired slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, and cilantro. The crunchy slaw provides a nice contrast to the richness of the ribs.
For a more filling meal, serve the ribs with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the delicious glaze. Another option is to serve the ribs alongside grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or corn on the cob. The slight smokiness from the grill will enhance the ribs, and the vegetables will add a light, fresh balance to the meal.
How to Store Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover ribs, don’t worry — they can be stored and enjoyed later. To store the ribs, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill to maintain their flavor and texture. If you want to reapply the sweet chili glaze, brush it over the ribs before reheating for a fresh burst of flavor.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish for Flavor Lovers
Thai-Style Sweet Chili Ribs are a mouthwatering fusion of tender, juicy ribs and bold, exotic Thai flavors. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, and the sticky glaze elevates the dish to something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a family dinner, or a BBQ with friends, these ribs will undoubtedly impress. By using a simple combination of ingredients and some essential grilling tips, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to get creative with the glaze and serve these ribs with your favorite sides for a complete, unforgettable meal.