Live Fire Republic’s Char Siu Rotisserie Pork Ribs with Mango and Fresno Chili Puree
Listen up, rib aficionados! If you’re looking for a bold twist on your next cookout, I’ve got just the recipe for you; char siu rotisserie pork ribs with a mango chili puree. As a seasoned live fire chef and lover of the great outdoors, I can tell you that there’s nothing quite like the flavors of Asian cuisine. From the rich textures to the bold spices, it’s a foodie’s paradise. And that’s exactly what LFR collaborator, Professional Chef and Pitmaster, Aaron Riley, of Bearded Skull BBQ, is bringing to the table today.
I’ve been inspired by the sights and smells of Chinatown – those gorgeous, juicy, and succulent red meats hanging in the windows. So, I’ve taken those flavors and brought them to life in my own unique way. This recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, salty, and umami – all the things you need to make your taste buds dance.
But we’re not just talking about grilling these bad boys. Oh no, we’re taking things to the next level with a mouth-watering rotisserie. Imagine those tender, juicy ribs slowly turning over an open flame, soaking up all those delicious flavors. Trust me, it’s a sight to behold.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking and take your taste buds on a wild ride!
Key Ingredients Used in This Recipe:
Shaoxing Rice Wine: a traditional Chinese wine that adds a sweet and nutty flavor to dishes, making it the perfect addition to this recipe for a smoky and savory marinade that will leave your taste buds singing and your guests asking for seconds.
Hoisin Sauce: a thick, sweet and savory sauce made from soybeans, garlic, chili peppers, and various spices, is a key ingredient in this recipe that will elevate your grilled meats with a rich umami flavor that will leave your mouth watering for more.
Chinese Five Spice: a blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, is the secret ingredient in this recipe that will add a complex and exotic flavor to your grilled meats, leaving your guests wondering what your culinary wizardry is all about.
What to Serve Alongside Char Siu Rotisserie Pork Ribs
When it comes to complementing the delicious flavors of char siu rotisserie pork ribs, you can’t go wrong with these three mouthwatering side dishes:
Grilled Pineapple
The sweetness of grilled pineapple provides a perfect contrast to the smoky and savory flavor of the ribs, and the juiciness will help cleanse the palate for the next bite.
Asian Slaw
A refreshing blend of shredded cabbage, carrots, and radishes dressed in a light vinaigrette made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar will add a crunchy texture and zesty flavor that balances the richness of the pork.
Grilled Bok Choy
A simple preparation of grilled bok choy with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce will provide a healthy and tasty addition to your meal that will satisfy your craving for greens without stealing the spotlight from the star of the show – the char siu pork ribs.
FAQs: CHAR SIU ROTISSERIE PORK RIBS
What is char siu and how is it different from regular BBQ sauce? Char siu is a sweet and savory Chinese marinade made from honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five spice, and Shaoxing rice wine that gives the pork ribs their unique flavor profile, while BBQ sauce typically uses a tomato base with vinegar, sugar, and spices.
How do I get that perfect char siu flavor without a rotisserie? While a rotisserie will give you that signature smoky flavor and crispy exterior, you can still achieve a similar flavor profile by marinating the pork ribs overnight and grilling them low and slow.
What’s the best wood to use when smoking char siu pork ribs? I recommend using a mild wood like fruitwood (apple, cherry, peach) or oak to enhance the natural sweetness of the pork without overpowering the flavors of the char siu marinade.
How long should I let the pork ribs rest after cooking? Letting the pork rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every bite is juicy and tender.
Can I use the char siu marinade on other meats besides pork ribs? Absolutely! Char siu marinade can be used on a variety of meats including chicken, beef, and tofu to add a unique and delicious twist to your favorite dishes.
Best Beverage Pairings for Char Siu Rotisserie Pork Ribs
Craft Beer Pairings:
- The smoky flavor of char siu ribs pairs perfectly with a hoppy IPA like Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA.
- A rich, malty brown ale like Sierra Nevada’s Tumbler pairs well with the sweetness of char siu ribs.
Cocktail Pairings:
- The spicy kick of a margarita complements the bold flavors of char siu ribs. Try a unique twist on a classic with a grapefruit and jalapeno margarita.
- For a more savory option, a bloody mary made with bacon-infused vodka and garnished with a slice of char siu rib is sure to impress.
Wine Pairings:
- A bold and fruity Zinfandel like Ridge Vineyards’ Three Valleys pairs well with the sweet and savory flavors of char siu ribs.
- For a lighter option, a chilled glass of Pinot Gris from King Estate Winery brings out the subtle nuances of the pork while cleansing the palate.
Join the Fire
Live fire cooking is not just a hobby, it’s a way of life. And at Live Fire Republic, we’re not just a website, we’re a community of fire-loving foodies. We’re passionate about adventure and culinary creativity. From our mouthwatering database of live fire and outdoor cooking recipes to our one-of-a-kind experiential events, we’re committed to helping you elevate your outdoor cooking game. And let’s not forget about our weekly adventure culinary series on YouTube. Tune in and join us on our culinary escapades, where we showcase the beauty and bounty of the great outdoors. So, subscribe to Live Fire Republic, follow us on social media, and join our tribe of fire-starters. Your taste buds (and your inner adventurer) will thank you!
Ingredients
Char Siu Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Shaoxing rice wine
- 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice
- 2-3 drops of red food dye
Ribs
- 1 rack of St. Louis style pork ribs
- 1 bunch of green onions
- Fresh cracked pepper
Mango and Fresno Chilli Puree
- 2 ripe mangos
- 1 14 oz can diced mango
- 1 large Fresno chilli
Instructions
Char Siu Marinade
- Mix all ingredients into a bowl and place in the fridge to marry. Trim pork ribs by removing skirt and membrane. Then, to a zipper bag add the ribs and marinade, seal and place in fridge for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Char Siu Rotisserie Pork Ribs
- Remove the ribs from the Char Siu marinade and strain off the excess. While this is happening you can prep your pit. Set up your grill for a live fire indirect cooking, with half a chimney of your favorite charcoal. Once your coals are established, add your wood. This cook I went with hickory because that's what I had, but I prefer to use cherry, almond and or peach wood for pork.While the wood is getting established, you can skewer the ribs by weaving in and out between every fourth bone, creating an “S” pattern. Place the spike on pit and spin the meat for 2-2.5 hours or until and internal temperature of 209F is reached. At this temperature, your ribs will be tender, juicy and have a perfect bite.
Mango Chilli Puree
- Peel and dice your mangos. Strain canned mangos and reserve the liquid. Fire roast your chilli over the stove untl it is charred and softened. Next, add all ingredients to a bowl and hit it with your immersion blender, adding back in the reserved liquid to thin the puree.
