Black Pepper Teriyaki Ribs are a culinary delight that brings together the rich flavors of teriyaki sauce and the bold kick of black pepper, creating a dish that is both savory and satisfying. As I prepared this recipe, I couldn’t help but think about the cultural significance of teriyaki in Japanese cuisine, where it has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of sweet and salty flavors in teriyaki sauce has made it a favorite among food lovers worldwide, and when paired with tender, juicy ribs, it becomes an unforgettable experience.
People adore Black Pepper Teriyaki Ribs not just for their incredible taste, but also for their delightful texture. The ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender when cooked properly, while the glaze adds a sticky, caramelized finish that is simply irresistible. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Preparing the Marinade
First things first, lets whip up that delicious teriyaki marinade that will infuse our ribs with flavor. Its super easy and youll love how it comes together!
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk them together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Set aside about 1/2 cup of the marinade in a separate bowl for later use as a glaze. This will ensure that we have a fresh sauce to brush on the ribs while they cook.
Preparing the Ribs
Now that our marinade is ready, lets prepare the ribs. This step is crucial for ensuring that our ribs are tender and flavorful.
- Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be a bit tricky, but its important for tenderness. Use a sharp knife to lift the edge of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel for a better grip and pull it off.
- Once the membrane is removed, pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better.
- Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Cooking the Ribs
After the ribs have marinated, its time to cook them. You can choose to bake, grill, or even slow-cook them. Ill walk you through the baking method, which is simple and yields tender, juicy ribs.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method will help break down the collagen in the ribs, making them tender.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the ribs.
- Remove the ribs from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the ribs on the wire rack, bone side down.
- Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of aluminum foil. This will help keep them moist while they cook.
- Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bones. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick between the bones; it should slide in easily.
Glazing the Ribs
Once the ribs are tender, its time to glaze them with that reserved marinade and give them a nice finish.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully take off the top layer of foil. Be cautious of the steam!
- In a small saucepan, combine the reserved marinade with cornstarch and water. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This will create a nice glaze for our ribs.
- Brush the thickened glaze generously over the ribs. Make sure to coat them well for maximum flavor.
- If you like a bit of char, you can place the ribs under the broiler for 5-7 minutes. Keep

Conclusion:
In summary, these Black Pepper Teriyaki Ribs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, paired with a hint of spice from the black pepper, creates a mouthwatering experience that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, these ribs are sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing the ribs with a refreshing coleslaw or grilled vegetables to balance the richness of the meat. You can also serve them alongside steamed rice or a light salad for a complete meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different marinades or adding a touch of honey for extra sweetness, or even a splash of sriracha for those who enjoy a bit of heat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Dont forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with. Id love to hear how your Black Pepper Teriyaki Ribs turn out and what unique twists you add. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! Print
Black Pepper Teriyaki Ribs: A Flavorful Recipe for Grilling Perfection
- Total Time: 210 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
These Teriyaki Pork Ribs are slow-cooked to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone meat, coated in a rich homemade teriyaki glaze. The perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, ideal for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to incorporate all flavors.
- Set aside about 1/2 cup of the marinade in a separate bowl for basting later. Cover and refrigerate.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the pork ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Ensure the ribs are well-coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the ribs from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. If using a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet and lay the ribs on the rack.
- Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender but not falling apart.
- While the ribs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk it into the simmering marinade. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- After baking, carefully remove the ribs from the oven and take off the top layer of foil. Brush a generous amount of the thickened teriyaki sauce over the ribs.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Brush the ribs with more teriyaki sauce halfway through this final baking stage.
- Once caramelized, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
- Cut between the bones to separate the ribs and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle any remaining teriyaki sauce over the ribs.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for garnish.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the ribs overnight to enhance flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
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