Spectacular Oven-Baked Pork Ribs (Baby Back Ribs)
Spectacular Oven-Baked Pork Ribs (Baby Back Ribs)
How to Make Delicious Oven-Baked Pork Ribs (Baby Back Ribs) with the DIIO LAB Air Fryer
A revelation in flavor! My wife’s surprise gift, the DIIO LAB Air Fryer, allowed me to create these pork ribs for the first time, and the taste was simply fantastic. These delectable baby back ribs, also known as ‘Pork Ribs,’ are surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for a delightful home party or a special meal. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a recipe that will fill your table with happiness!
Step 1: Preparing the Ribs (Boiling for Tenderness)- 900g Pork Baby Back Ribs
- 1-2 Green Onions (Scallions)
- 4-5 Cloves Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin or Sake)
- 1 Tbsp Whole Peppercorns (or ground pepper)
- 2 pinches Herbs (Bay leaves, Rosemary, or any available)
- Cold water (enough to cover ribs)
Step 2: Crafting the Rich & Flavorful Sauce- 1/4 Onion (or about half a fist-sized piece)
- 200g Store-bought Pork Rib Marinade
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Oligodang (Corn Syrup or other liquid sweetener)
- 1.5 Tbsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco, adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced (generously packed)
- 1 tsp Ginger Powder (optional, to taste)
Step 3: Air Frying Preparation- 9 Brussels Sprouts
- 5 Shallots
- 1 DIIO LAB Air Fryer
- 1/4 Onion (or about half a fist-sized piece)
- 200g Store-bought Pork Rib Marinade
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Oligodang (Corn Syrup or other liquid sweetener)
- 1.5 Tbsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco, adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced (generously packed)
- 1 tsp Ginger Powder (optional, to taste)
Step 3: Air Frying Preparation- 9 Brussels Sprouts
- 5 Shallots
- 1 DIIO LAB Air Fryer
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s first imagine the star of our dish: these pork ribs! They promise a sweet, savory, and delightfully chewy experience. We’ve prepared 900g of baby back ribs, enough for 3-4 servings. Just looking at the neatly cut ribs makes me happy as I think about cooking them! (Alright, let’s get serious and make something delicious!)
Step 2
To eliminate any gamey smell from the ribs, we’ll soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to an hour to draw out the blood. Gently say to them, ‘Sorry, but I’m going to enjoy your deliciousness today,’ as you drain the water.
Step 3
While the ribs are resting, let’s prepare the ingredients for boiling, which will make them tender and infused with flavor. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the ribs and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 3 Tbsp of cooking wine, the green onion cut into roughly inch-sized pieces, 5 cloves of garlic, 1 Tbsp of whole peppercorns, and about two pinches of herbs (like bay leaves or rosemary) to add a fragrant aroma.
Step 4
Carefully place the drained ribs into the rapidly boiling water. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface – it might look unappetizing, but it’s essential for a clean flavor! Boil the ribs for about 20-22 minutes to tenderize them and remove any remaining odor. I recommend 22 minutes because the number ’22’ is cute! (20 minutes is perfectly fine too.)
Step 5
While the ribs are boiling, we need to act fast to create our flavorful sauce. We definitely don’t want bland ribs! For these delicious pork ribs, gather all the necessary ingredients: store-bought pork rib marinade, soy sauce, oligodang, hot sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and onion.
Step 6
First, pour a generous amount of the store-bought pork rib marinade into a bowl. This will be our flavor base. Aim for about 200g, using roughly 2/3 to 3/4 of a standard package. (Adjust the amount based on the saltiness of your specific marinade).
Step 7
Now, let’s elevate the flavor with the remaining ingredients. Add 3 Tbsp of soy sauce, 3 Tbsp of oligodang (or your preferred liquid sweetener), and 3 Tbsp of oyster sauce for depth of flavor. Ketchup, about 2 Tbsp, adds a touch of sweetness and helps with texture – be mindful that ketchup can be tricky to measure, so adjust as needed. For a bit of heat, add about 1.5 Tbsp of hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference). A small teaspoon of ginger powder adds a nice kick. Mix all these ingredients together thoroughly with a ‘whisk, whisk’!
Step 8
Add a generous tablespoon of minced garlic – a key ingredient loved by everyone, whether Korean or not! Give it another vigorous ‘whisk, whisk’ to complete the sauce. The aroma of garlic will already be quite enticing!
Step 9
Finally, finely chop about half a fist-sized piece of onion and stir it into the sauce. This adds a clean, subtle sweetness. ‘Whisk, whisk, yeah!’ The onion will blend into the sauce, creating an even richer flavor profile.
Step 10
While the ribs are still boiling, gently simmer the prepared sauce over low heat for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the minced garlic and onion to cook slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 11
While the sauce is simmering, let’s quickly prepare the vegetables to be roasted alongside the ribs. I’ve chosen 5 charming shallots and 9 fresh Brussels sprouts. Remember, we shouldn’t just eat meat! As grown-ups, we must also eat our vegetables.
Step 12
Now, carefully transfer the boiled ribs from the pot into a large bowl. It’s time to say goodbye to the green onions, garlic, and herb leaves that were used for boiling. Remove them cleanly.
Step 13
Pour all the prepared sauce over the ribs in the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the ribs are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. ‘Sleep well, my ribs!’ Playing some relaxing music (like Sun Rai’s ‘San Francisco Street’) during this time can make the marinating process even more enjoyable. (Good music makes time fly!)
Step 14
While the ribs are marinating, it’s a good time to line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup so much easier after cooking – a smart little trick!
Step 15
After an hour, carefully arrange the marinated ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure not to let excess sauce drip away. Place the vegetables you prepared alongside the ribs. Roasting the vegetables together makes for a more complete and attractive dish.
Step 16
We’re almost there! Calmly and steadily, turn on your air fryer. Set the temperature to 180°C (350°F), select the upper and lower heating elements, and set the cooking time for 11 minutes. (Flipping them halfway through can ensure more even cooking).
Step 17
After 11 minutes, behold the magnificent sight! Transfer your perfectly cooked pork ribs to a serving platter. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your delicious meal. Great job, everyone! I’ll be back with another exciting recipe soon!
