This sticky, sweet, and savory Balinese-style grilled pork ribs recipe transports you to the tropical beaches of Indonesia. The combination of the sweet, airy kecap manis glaze and the smoky, grilled pork ribs is a sensory delight.

But have you ever wondered why some grilled meats are more tender and flavorful than others? I’ve explored the science behind the technique of sous vide egg cooking and now it’s time to dive into the mystical world of marinades and glazes. Read on to learn how to take your grilled meats game to the next level here!

Why This Recipe Works

• Using a combination of grated ginger, garlic, and coriander powder to create a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
• Employing the technique of ‘velveting’ the meat to tenderize it and enhance its texture.
• Applying a sweet, sticky, and savory kecap manis glaze during the last minutes of grilling to add a rich, caramelized flavor.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to making this Balinese grilled pork ribs recipe, it’s all about the high-quality ingredients. I recommend using a good-quality Indonesian-style kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and sambal oelek (ground fresh Indonesian chili peppers). You can also make your own kecap manis by reducing down a mixture of soy sauce, palm sugar, and water. Find your favorite store-bought version at Amazon.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Balinese Grilled Pork Ribs

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 cup kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)

2 lbs pork ribs (beef or pork works too)

1/4 cup sambal oelek

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 cups finely chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the kecap manis, sambal oelek, garlic, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Reserve the sauce.

2

In a large bowl, whisk together the reserved sauce, sesame oil, and 2 tbsp of water. Add the pork ribs, coat with the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3

Grill the pork ribs, for about 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred.

4

In a small saucepan, heat up the remaining marinade sauce. Brush the cooked ribs with the remaining sauce and serve.

5

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover grilled pork ribs in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the ribs in a microwave-safe container and heat for 20-25 seconds, or until warmed through.