Blog

Around the world in pork ribs

From slow-smoked American barbecue to spicy honey chipotle and a baked Australian classic – pack your bibs and take your tastebuds on a pork rib adventure around the world.

Char siu pork ribs

Source: Jiwon Kim

--- Watch  weeknights on SBS Food (Ch.33) at 7.00pm. Stream all episodes anytime at . ---

Stream free On Demand

Thumbnail of The Cook Up with Adam Liaw

The Cook Up with Adam Liaw

series • 
cooking
PG
series • 
cooking
PG

America

Chef, farmer and co-owner of Fat Pig farm shares his partner Sadie’s family recipe for ribs with homemade barbecue sauce. The secret? A whole puréed lemon. This recipe comes from Matthew’s cookbook, The Fat Pig’s Farm book of preserves, Not Just Jam.
Ribs with Sadie’s BBQ sauce
Source: Jiwon Kim
There’s enough pork rib diversity in America alone for a dedicated tour, but this is a world tour so we’re cherry-picking a couple of US classics: a simple smoked rib, and a salt and pepper option. They'll go with just about anything - though  makes a pretty good side dish.
130salt-pepperspareribs_pitmaster1.jpg

Mexico

Keep the North American theme going with these honey chipotle ribs and a side of .
Honey chipotle ribs
Mexican-style gets the sweet heat treatment with honey and chipotle. Source: Pati's Mexican Table

Brazil

Not ready to roast? This Brazilian pork and black bean stew is a family favourite in its home country and goes great with a few .
FB7A9611.jpg
The classic Brazilian stew includes different cuts of pork, but mostly rib.

China

Lovers of sweet and sour pork will enjoy this one, made with crisp, meaty pork spare-ribs and an addictive plum sauce and Worcestershire glaze. Add crisp lettuce leaves for freshness and contrast.
King of ribs
Source: Jiwon Kim
The secret to cooking taking your pork ribs next level? Cook ‘em low and slow, and slathered with a Chinese char siu glaze, with this recipe from TV show host and journalist Marc Fennell.
Char siu pork ribs
Source: Jiwon Kim

Spain

Spain brings a little sweet, a little meat and some smoky fried eggplant to the party with this sugarcane-glazed pork rib recipe.
Sugarcane-glazed pork ribs
Turning ribs into a refined meal. Source: Shane Delia's Moorish Spice Journey

Australia

A touch of home-made tomato sauce in the sauce gives them a little more depth and sweetness; the vinegar balances that sweetness, and the mustard provides depth.
Matthew Evans' pork ribs
Source: Tim Thatcher

Vietnam

Caramel flavours and pork are a favourite combination in Vietnam and these caramelised pork spare ribs continue in the tradition. As is signature to Vietnamese fare, the dish is garnished with fresh herbs and chillies, which cut through any richness.
caramelised-pork-ribs.jpg
The pork ribs are first marinated, then flash-fried to lock in flavour and add a touch of colour. They're finished with a gentle braise in young coconut juice, which infuses the dish with a natural, delicate sweetness.
R8-Coconut-braised-pork-1.jpg

Korea

Forget the calories and dive into these Korean-meets-American smoked baby back ribs, glazed in a spicy gochujang sauce. Wrap them in gooey, melted cheese for an indulgent finish.
Spicy gochujang ribs
Spicy gochujang ribs. Source: Murdoch Books / Mark Roper

Share
SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Cooking and conversation are a bridge to understanding people and their culture. On The Cook Up with Adam Liaw his guests - world renowned chefs, entertainers, sports and social media stars - prepare food, eat, laugh and give us a glimpse into their lives.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow The Cook Up with Adam Liaw Series
3 min read
Published 17 April 2025 10:06am
By SBS Food bite-sized
Source: SBS


Share this with family and friends