Korean Pork Ribs Recipe With Gochujang Glaze

Korean pork ribs deliver bold, savory-sweet flavors that have made them a standout favorite in homes and gatherings around the world.

The meat becomes incredibly tender while developing a gorgeous caramelized exterior that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Preparing this dish fills the kitchen with an aroma so mouthwatering that everyone gravitates toward the table before dinner is even served.

Perfect for weekend meals or special occasions, it works beautifully on the grill during warmer months and in the oven when cold weather calls for comfort food.

The balance of flavors appeals to both adventurous eaters and those just beginning to explore Korean cuisine.

You can serve it as a main course alongside simple sides or incorporate it into larger spreads.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is how something so flavorful requires less effort than you might expect.

Your next memorable meal is just one recipe away.

Standout Features Of Korean Pork Ribs

• Foolproof Cooking: These Korean pork ribs practically make themselves in the slow cooker, so even beginner cooks can nail a restaurant-quality meal without stress.
• Minimal Prep Miracle: Tossing everything into the crock pot means zero complicated techniques – just combine ingredients and let the appliance do the hard work for your dinner.
• Flavor Adventure: The combination of Korean-style seasonings transforms ordinary pork ribs into a super tasty meal that’ll spark excitement at your dinner table.
• Flexible Serving: Pairing these ribs with kimchi and sesame kelp noodles gives your meal an authentic touch, but they’re also flexible enough to match whatever side dishes your family enjoys.

Korean Pork Ribs Ingredient List

• Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs (3 lbs): These hearty, flavorful ribs are the star of your Korean-inspired dish. Choose a cut with good marbling for extra tenderness.

• Coconut Aminos (1/2 cup): A soy sauce alternative that adds rich, savory depth to your ribs.
• Sesame Oil (1/4 cup): Brings a nutty, authentic Korean flavor that transforms the entire dish.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds a bright, tangy balance to the rich meat.

• Chili Garlic Sauce (1 tbsp): Provides a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• Sweetener of Choice (1 tbsp): Balances the savory and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
• Ground Ginger (1/2 tbsp): Introduces a warm, slightly zingy undertone.

• Garlic (8 cloves, sliced), Scallions (6, sliced): Fresh ingredients that add layers of sharp, fresh flavor to your ribs.

Everyday Kitchen Equipment for Korean Pork Ribs

• Large Slow Cooker (6-quart): The perfect appliance for transforming tough pork ribs into tender, fall-apart meat with minimal effort on your part.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Helps you blend the sauce ingredients smoothly before pouring over your ribs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for a balanced and delicious sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce and gently moving ribs around during cooking.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for any preliminary meat preparation.
• Tongs: Makes handling hot ribs easy and safe when serving your meal.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting ribs into individual portions if desired before serving.

Cooking Method for Korean Pork Ribs

A Few Helpful Notes For Korean Pork Ribs

• Trim excess fat from ribs for a cleaner, more tender result that absorbs the sauce perfectly.
• Whisk your sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure all flavors blend smoothly before pouring over the ribs.
• Frozen ribs need high heat for 6-8 hours, while defrosted ribs work best on low setting for same duration.
• Pair your ribs with tangy kimchi and sesame kelp noodles for an authentic Korean flavor experience.
• Keep the lid sealed during cooking to lock in juices and prevent the meat from drying out.

Flavor Options for Korean Pork Ribs

• Spicy Kick Version: Swap standard sauce ingredients with gochujang and sriracha for a fiery Korean-inspired heat that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• Beef Swap Option: Replace pork ribs with beef short ribs, keeping the same cooking method and total liquid volume for a rich alternative protein.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to make the dish safe for sensitive stomachs.
• Instant Pot Quick Hack: Transfer everything to a pressure cooker and reduce cooking time to 35-45 minutes on high pressure, perfect when you need dinner faster.

How To Serve Korean Pork Ribs

• Serve with Sides: Pair these tender ribs with kimchi and sesame kelp noodles, just like I do at home for an authentic Korean feast that will make your taste buds dance.
• Perfect Portion Planning: Plan for about 3-4 ribs per person, depending on their size and how hungry your dinner guests are feeling.
• Sauce Drizzling Technique: After cooking, spoon some of that delicious cooking liquid over the ribs right before serving to boost the flavor and keep the meat super moist.
• Garnish Gracefully: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top to add a fresh crunch and make your plate look restaurant-worthy.

Recommended Storage Method for Korean Pork Ribs

• Wrap leftover ribs tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container before refrigerating to keep them moist and fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed freezer bags, pressing out extra air to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor for about 2 months.
• When reheating, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth over the ribs to restore tenderness and prevent drying out in the microwave or oven.
• Store any remaining cooking sauce separately in a small container with a tight lid, which can be used later for extra flavor when reheating the ribs.

Korean Pork Ribs Common Cooking Questions

Korean Pork Ribs Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes to 8 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Korean Pork Ribs deliver a mouthwatering explosion of sweet and spicy flavors straight from Seoul’s bustling street markets. Marinated in a tangy gochujang sauce and grilled to caramelized perfection, these ribs will make your backyard barbecue the talk of the neighborhood.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless country style pork ribs

Marinade:

• ½ cup coconut aminos
• ¼ cup sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice
• ½ tablespoon ground ginger

Garnish:

• 8 cloves garlic
• 6 scallions

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Instructions

1. Transfer 3 lbs of boneless country style pork ribs into your slow cooker, arranging them evenly across the bottom.
2. Whisk together ½ cup coconut aminos, ¼ cup sesame oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, 1 tbsp sweetener, ½ tbsp ground ginger in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Slice 8 cloves of garlic and 6 scallions, then sprinkle them over the ribs.
4. Pour the prepared sauce mixture directly over the ribs, ensuring each piece gets coated.
5. If your meat is frozen, set slow cooker to high and cook for 6-8 hours, maintaining an internal temperature of 145°F.
6. For defrosted ribs, reduce cooking temperature to low and cook for 6-8 hours until meat becomes tender and easily pulls apart.
7. Check internal meat temperature reaches 145°F to guarantee safe consumption.
8. Once finished, remove ribs from slow cooker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving with optional kimchi and sesame kelp noodles.

Notes

• Check the tenderness of the ribs around 6 hours to prevent overcooking, as slow cookers can vary in heat intensity.
• For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce with tamari and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Add a tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) to the sauce for an authentic kick of spice and deeper flavor.
• If kimchi isn’t available, serve with quick-pickled cucumbers or a simple Asian slaw to complement the rich pork ribs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Pork
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg