Glistening BBQ ribs with a reddish glow poking out from a canvas of fresh greens - mint leaves, and ground spices. A play of rich hues on a rustic earthen plate.

Chinese-Style Minty Char Siu BBQ Ribs

Name: Chinese-Style Minty Char Siu BBQ Ribs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: fresh mint leaves, 1 cup picked from the stem; racks of pork ribs, 2 racks, about 2-2.5 lbs each; hoisin sauce, 1/2 cup; honey, 1/2 cup; soy sauce, 1/2 cup; Chinese rice wine, 1/2 cup; Chinese five-spice powder, 1 tbsp; ginger, 1 tbsp chopped; garlic, 4 cloves minced; red food coloring, 1 tsp optional; sesame oil, 3 tbsp; salt and pepper, to taste

Category BBQ

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 120 minutes

Style Fusion

Technique Grilling

Diet Friendly Paleo

Daily Recipe: October 01, 2025

Something exciting is grilling up! We are creating a fusion of traditional BBQ with a Chinese-inspired flavor, highlighted by a refreshing hint of mint. This is not your usual BBQ recipe but a culinary adventure adding a twist to the classic BBQ.

Ingredients (for 4)

Fresh mint leaves - 1 cup - picked from the stem
Racks of pork ribs - 2 racks, about 2-2.5 lbs each
Hoisin sauce - 1/2 cup
Honey - 1/2 cup
Soy sauce - 1/2 cup
Chinese rice wine - 1/2 cup
Chinese five-spice powder - 1 tbsp
Ginger - 1 tbsp - chopped
Garlic - 4 cloves - minced
Red food coloring - 1 tsp - optional
Sesame oil - 3 tbsp
Salt and pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍯🥣🥢

Combine hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, five-spice powder, ginger, garlic, food coloring (if using), and half of the mint leaves in a large bowl. Mix until well blended.
Step 2 - 🔪🍖🧂

Score the ribs gently on the back side, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them in a large resealable bag.
Step 3 - 🥡🌡️🌜

Pour the marinade into the resealable bag with the ribs, seal, and ensure the ribs are fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
Step 4 - 🔥🍖⏲️

Preheat your BBQ grill. Remove the marinated ribs from the bag, draining off excess marinade. Cook each side for 5 minutes on high heat. Lower the heat and continue grilling for about 1.5-2 hours, turning occasionally.
Step 5 - 🖌️🍖🍃

During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the ribs with the remaining sauce. Garnish with the rest of the fresh mint leaves before serving.

Additional

This is a spin on the Chinese classic Char Siu, typically roasted in ovens, we take it out to the grill for the signature BBQ char. And did you know, traditionally Char Siu gets its red color from fermented red bean curd? Here, it's optional to add food coloring for that same effect. Enjoy experimenting and enjoy your minty Char Siu BBQ!