Finger-Licking Thai Sweet Chili Ribs Recipe for Happy Munching

Sizzling and succulent, these Thai style sweet chili ribs burst with an explosion of tantalizing flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender meat falls effortlessly from the bone, glazed with a vibrant and sticky chili sauce that promises pure culinary delight.

Aromatic spices blend seamlessly with rich, sweet undertones, creating a harmonious balance that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Each bite reveals layers of complex seasonings that awaken your taste buds with a perfect combination of heat and sweetness.

The recipe combines traditional Thai ingredients with classic barbecue techniques, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that stands out at any gathering.

Marinades infuse deep, robust flavors into the meat, ensuring every morsel is packed with incredible taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 24 hours

Cook Time: 6-8 hours

Total Time: 30-32 hours

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Thai Style Sweet Chili Ribs Ingredients

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and vibrant Thai-inspired depth to the ribs, look for brands with authentic ingredients.
• Red Curry Paste: Delivers complex, spicy warmth and traditional Thai aromatics, choose premium brands for richer flavor.
• Fish Sauce: Provides umami saltiness and traditional Southeast Asian character, opt for clear, amber-colored varieties.
• Lime Juice: Brings bright, zesty acidity that balances and lifts the marinade's richness.

• Sweet Chili Sauce, Peanut Butter: Combine for creamy, sweet-spicy coating that clings beautifully to the ribs, select natural peanut butter for deeper flavor.
• Red Curry Paste: Reinforces the spicy-aromatic profile, ensuring consistent Thai-style taste throughout the dish.
• Fish Sauce: Enhances savory undertones and balances the sauce's sweetness, select high-quality brands.
• Lime Juice: Adds final touch of brightness and cuts through the sauce's richness.

• Pork Ribs: Star of the dish, select well-marbled, fresh cuts with consistent meat distribution.
• Roasted Peanuts: Provide delightful crunch and nutty complexity as a finishing touch.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, herbal brightness that complements the rich, spicy flavors.

Kitchen Tools to Prepare Thai Chili Ribs

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy vessel for combining marinade ingredients.
• Saucepan: Small pot for preparing smooth BBQ sauce.
• Slow Cooker: Essential for tenderizing ribs over low, steady heat.
• Baking Sheet: Flat pan for transferring and broiling ribs.
• Brush: Tool for evenly coating ribs with marinade.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Surface for chopping garnishes like peanuts and cilantro.
• Broiler or Oven: Needed for caramelizing BBQ sauce on ribs.

Directions for Making Thai Style Sweet Chili Ribs

• Flavor Preparation

Craft a tangy marinade that blends sweet and spicy notes, creating a rich coating for the ribs that will infuse deep Thai-inspired flavors.

• Overnight Infusion

Allow the ribs to rest in the marinade throughout the night, letting each fiber absorb the complex taste profile of traditional Thai cuisine.

• Slow Cooking Journey

Nestle the marinated ribs into a slow cooker, positioning them carefully to ensure even heat distribution and maximum tenderness.

• Sauce Transformation

Simmer a luscious sauce that combines nutty and zesty elements, creating a glossy glaze that will elevate the meat’s natural richness.

• Caramelization Magic

Transfer the perfectly cooked ribs to a baking sheet, brushing them with the vibrant sauce and allowing the edges to crisp and caramelize under intense heat.

• Finishing Touch

Sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro over the ribs, adding a delightful crunch and bright herbal note that transports your taste buds to the streets of Bangkok.

• Serving Delight

Present the ribs with extra sauce on the side, inviting guests to drizzle and dip as they savor each succulent bite of this Thai-inspired delicacy.

Tips for Marinating and Enhancing Sweet Chili Ribs

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Enhance the marinade by adding a splash of rice wine or mirin for deeper complexity and subtle sweetness.
• Meat Selection Magic: Choose baby back ribs for a more tender texture, or opt for spare ribs if you prefer a meatier cut with more robust flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of chili sauce or adding fresh Thai bird chilies for those who love an extra spicy kick.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: These ribs can be fully prepared a day in advance and gently reheated, allowing the flavors to intensify and develop an even more rich taste profile.
• Leftover Love: Transform remaining ribs into a delicious pulled pork-style topping for salads, tacos, or rice bowls by shredding the meat and mixing with the remaining BBQ sauce.

How to Serve Thai Style Ribs at Parties

• Tropical Picnic Platter: Spread the succulent ribs on a large wooden board with fresh lime wedges, sliced cucumber, and a small bowl of extra sauce. This vibrant presentation captures the essence of Thai street food, making every bite a delightful experience.
• Dinner Party Elegance: Plate the ribs on a bed of coconut jasmine rice, drizzling the remaining BBQ sauce around the edges. Garnish with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a sophisticated touch that will impress your guests.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a communal dining experience by placing the ribs on a large platter surrounded by Asian slaw, pickled vegetables, and steamed edamame. Let everyone dig in and enjoy the interactive, flavorful meal together.
• Lazy Weekend Comfort: Pair the ribs with soft butter rolls and a crisp Asian-inspired salad. Set up a casual buffet-style spread that encourages relaxed eating and creates a memorable weekend meal perfect for unwinding.

Storage Recommendations for Thai Chili Ribs Leftovers

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Refrigerate leftover ribs in airtight containers for maximum freshness, keeping them delicious for 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain tender texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy
• Separate ribs into individual portions before freezing. Place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ribs can stay tasty for up to 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic
• Warm refrigerated ribs in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to retain moisture. Splash a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating to revive the original juicy flavors and prevent drying out.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack
• Marinate ribs in advance and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before cooking. This technique allows deeper flavor absorption and saves precious time during busy weekdays, making meal preparation smooth and effortless.

Mouthwatering Thai Style Sweet Chili Ribs

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30-32 hours
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Thai-style sweet chili ribs blend bold Southeast Asian flavors with classic barbecue techniques. Spicy, tangy sauce and tender meat promise a mouthwatering experience that will make you crave more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5–6 lbs (2.3–2.7 kg) pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs), silver skin removed and fat trimmed
• ½ cup (120 ml) sweet chili sauce
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) sweet chili sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) peanut butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) red curry paste
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) red curry paste
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce (or soy sauce for a non-fish alternative)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice (or rice vinegar as a substitute)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk marinade ingredients in a large bowl until thoroughly combined, creating a harmonious flavor base.
2. Rib Coating: Thoroughly coat ribs with marinade, ensuring every inch is generously covered for maximum flavor absorption.
3. Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate marinated ribs overnight, allowing ingredients to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
4. BBQ Sauce Creation: Simmer sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until peanut butter melts into a smooth, glossy consistency.
5. Slow Cooking: Arrange ribs vertically in the slow cooker, optimizing space and ensuring even heat distribution for 6-8 hours on low temperature until meat becomes exceptionally tender and nearly falling off the bone.
6. Caramelization Process: Transfer cooked ribs to a baking sheet, brush generously with half the prepared BBQ sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes until surface develops a rich, slightly bubbling caramelized glaze.
7. Final Presentation: Garnish ribs with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, serving immediately with remaining BBQ sauce on the side for additional flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Marinate Thoroughly: Ensure every inch of the ribs gets coated with the marinade for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Slow Cooking Precision: Vertical rib placement in the slow cooker guarantees even heat distribution and prevents meat from becoming soggy.
• Caramelization Technique: Broiling creates a stunning, glossy exterior that locks in the rich, complex flavors developed during slow cooking.
• Garnish for Impact: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and cilantro to add a fresh, crunchy dimension that elevates the overall taste and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 24 hours
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg