Go Back
+ servings
Print Recipe
4.75 from 8 votes

Thai Style Baby Back Ribs (with Smashed Cucumber Salad)

These Thai Style Baby Back Ribs (with Smashed Cucumber Salad) are truly a game changer! You might never make ribs any other way ever again!!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Servings: 6 people
Author: Gaby Dalkin

Ingredients

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs about three to three and a half pounds total
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • cup fish sauce
  • cup soy sauce
  • cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons minced red fresno chiles
  • 3 tablespoons minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh lemongrass
  • 3 tablespoons torn basil
  • Peanuts to garnish

For the Smashed Cucumber Salad

  • 1 pound Persian cucumbers
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
  • 3 scallions sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Chili flakes
  • Cilantro to garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 350°F. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet and season with salt and pepper and. Pour 1 cup of water into the baking sheet, and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 2 hours, until the meat nearly falls off the bone
  • Prepare your grill to medium high. When the rib racks come out of the oven, let them cool for 20 minutes and then cut them into individual ribs. In a large bowl combine all the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Divide in half (place half on the side for drizzling) and toss the other half with the ribs to coat. Transfer the coated ribs on the grill and char for 5-7 minutes total. Sprinkle with extra basil and serve.

For the Cucumber Salad

  • Gently smack cucumbers with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pot until they begin to break apart. Tear into bite-size pieces. Transfer to a colander; toss with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let sit 10 minutes to drain excess liquid.
  • In a medium bowl whisk the scallions, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds and chili flakes. Add the smashed cucumbers. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and top with cilantro.

Notes

You'll want to make this cucumber salad all summer long, every time you grill out!

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 2289mg | Potassium: 748mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 3mg