Chinese BBQ Ribs (Char Sui)
  1. (Optional) Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by loosening one end with a knife, and then tearing it away.

  2. (Oven) Prepare a large piece of foil (at least 2” / 5 cm bigger than the ribs on all sides) to layer over a baking sheet. Place the ribs back side up onto the foil.

  3. Combine the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Sprinkle evenly over the back of the ribs and rub in. Flip the ribs and sprinkle on the top side, rub in the spice again. Set aside to marinate briefly while preheating the oven to 275°F (135°C).

  4. (InstantPot) Bend each rack of ribs you’re using into a coil so they fit in the liner pot, resting against the perimeter of the pot. A 6-quart should be able to handle up to 2 racks of ribs, while the 8-quart can handle 3 full racks. The 3-quart maybe be able to fit 1 rack. If you wish to cut each rack in half before inserting for easier removal when cooked (they’ll be super tender), feel free to do so. Add the apple juice and broth to the pot.

  5. (InstantPot) Secure the lid, move the valve to the sealing position, hit Cancel and then hit Manual or Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes for 5-6 pounds/1.5-3 racks of ribs OR 25 minutes for 2-4 pounds/1 rack. When done, allow a 5-minute natural release followed by a quick release. (NOTE: If you’re adding the entire bottle of apple juice you add to the pot, it may take up to 20-30 minutes to come to pressure. To that point, if it splatters while releasing because of all the juices, no big deal. Just throw a dish towel over the nozzle to keep the splatter at bay).

  6. Combine the sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well.

  7. (Oven) Once the oven is heated, brush a thin layer of sauce all over the ribs.

  8. (Oven) Place another piece of foil over the top. Crimp the bottom foil over the top foil and fold a few times to create a sealed parcel.

  9. (Oven) Place the ribs in the oven and bake for 2 to 3 hours depending on their size (*Footnote 2). Once done, you can use a thermometer or a fork to poke through the foil to test the doneness. The meat should feel very tender or read at least 160°F/71°C.

  10. While cooking, prepare a baking tray lined with foil (or parchment paper) and a rack on top.

  11. Remove the ribs from the oven and turn the heat up to 450°F (230°C).

  12. Carefully open the parcel or InstantPot and move the ribs to the prepared baking tray. You might need to use 2 spatulas to help with this step because the ribs are extremely tender and might fall apart.

  13. Generously brush the top and back of the ribs with the sauce, leaving a few tablespoons for after cooking.

  14. Return the ribs to the oven and bake until beginning to char, 10 to 15 minutes. Check on the ribs every 5 minutes to prevent them from burning.

  15. Remove the ribs from the oven and brush with a thin layer of sauce. Let cool for 10 minutes then slice the ribs and serve hot with the remaining sauce.

Course🍽️Main Course

Diets🥩Carnivore...

Category🍖Ribs

Cuisine🇨🇳Chinese

Occasions🍗Barbecue🎉Celebration

Season🔁Year-round

DifficultyMedium ⏰ 3h

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