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Korean Gochujang Baby Back Ribs

  • 430 Minutes
  • Medium
  • BBQ Meats, Pork

These Korean-style glazed ribs are smoky, sticky, and seriously packed with flavour—perfect for when you want to take your BBQ game up a notch. Marinated in a bold mix of gochujang, soy, garlic, and sweet notes, then smoked low and slow, wrapped in a buttery honey bath, and finished with a glossy, caramelised glaze, they’re everything you want in a rib: tender, juicy, and falling off the bone. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers big flavour with a punch of Korean-inspired flair.

Cooking Method

  1. Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl - this will double as your finishing glaze, so be sure to set half aside for later. Prep the ribs by patting them dry and peeling off the thin membrane from the underside if it’s still attached. It’s a chewy barrier that blocks both flavour and tenderness - ditch it. Lightly season the ribs with salt and pepper, then coat thoroughly with the marinade (using only the half you didn’t set aside), making sure every surface is covered. Cover the ribs and refrigerate for 5 hours to let all that bold flavour soak in.
  2. Load your Ninja Woodfire smoker with cherry wood pellets - their light, fruity aroma pairs perfectly with Korean-inspired marinades. Choose the ‘SMOKER’ setting and set the temp to 120°C for 90 minutes. Place the ribs meat-side up on the grill rack, close the lid, and let the smoke work its magic. After an hour, check the internal temperature at the thickest point - you’re aiming for about 71°C. If it's not there yet, give it another 15 minutes or so until the meat starts to soften.
  3. Double up on foil sheets and add a few knobs of butter and a generous drizzle of honey in the centre - this creates a rich, steamy environment to boost tenderness. Lay the ribs meat-side down over the butter-honey mix, then wrap them tightly to seal in all that moisture. Switch the Ninja Woodfire to ‘BAKE’ mode at 150°C and cook for 1 hour. You're targeting 93°C internal temperature and a "butter-soft" texture. If needed, give it another 10 minutes and recheck.
  4. Carefully open up the foil and flip the ribs so they’re facing meat-side up. Brush on a layer of your reserved glaze, let it set briefly, then repeat 2–3 times. This step builds up a lacquered, sticky coating that hits every sweet, spicy, and savoury note.
  5. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before carving - it helps the juices settle for a cleaner cut. Slice between the bones with a sharp knife. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced spring onions. Serve alongside kimchi, a crisp Asian-style slaw, or sticky rice for the ultimate feast. Or better yet, all three.

The Ingredients

Ribs:

Korean Gochujang Marinade & Glaze:

Wrapping:

What To Serve With Korean Gochujang Baby Back Ribs

These smoky Korean-style ribs pair beautifully with sides that balance their rich, bold flavours. A crunchy Asian slaw with sesame dressing adds freshness and texture, while classic kimchi brings tangy heat that cuts through the sweetness of the glaze. Sticky rice or steamed jasmine rice makes a perfect base to soak up those delicious juices. For something a little heartier, try sweet potato mash or crispy Korean-style pancakes (pajeon). Lightly pickled cucumbers or daikon radish offer a cooling, palate-cleansing contrast, and grilled corn with a dash of chilli-lime butter can round things out with a hint of sweetness and char. Whether you go for crisp, cool, or comforting, these sides create a balanced, crowd-pleasing spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You can bake them in the oven at the same temperatures. Use a wire rack over a baking tray to mimic the airflow of a smoker, and add a small pan of water to keep moisture in the oven. You’ll miss the smoke, but the flavour will still shine.

You can marinate the ribs up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavour. The spring onion garnish and glaze can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring everything to room temp before cooking for the best results.

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The Village Butchers is a family-run online butchers based in Essex, UK. From sourcing the finest selection of meats to supplying all the best condiments, our online butcher’s shop has it all.

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Contact Us

The Village Butchers is a family-run online butchers based in Essex, UK. From sourcing the finest selection of meats to supplying all the best condiments, our online butcher’s shop has it all.

Sign up to our Newsletter

Name*
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