Japanese-Inspired Pork Ribs

This recipe was shared with us by Craig Thompson at Rockside Ranch. Chef Barbie Aknin (a dear friend of Craig and Jenny’s) at Community Cuisine devised this delicious recipe.

The rib marinade is simply Shio Koji, an age-old Japanese fermented mixture of malted rice, salt and water mixed with the culture Asperiguillus Oryzae. The enzymes in the shio koji break down proteins and pull out the umami flavor as well as tenderize the meat. Shio Koji is both salty and sweet. It’s wonderful on meat and with vegetables, so we will use it in both places.

The added depth of flavor from Rockside pork with the Shio Koji marinade gives an absolutely delicious end result.

Notes:

• Shio Koji is available on Amazon, in Japanese grocery stores or, you can make your own. CultureforHealth.com for example, shows you how. Read through the recipe before you start. The best way to do ribs is to plan ahead.
• Marinate for 18 to 24 hours. Oven roast for 3 hours. Chill overnight or for several hours. Finish on the grill or under the broiler. The hands-on time is very minimal making your last minute grill time quick.

STEPS - pork

• With ribs, you must remove the silver skin, a thin layer of connective tissue that is very tough. On the back side of the ribs (the side without the meat) you will see and opaque paper-thin tissue. At the top, corner edge of the bones, use a sharp knife to release a small piece of the silver skin. Using paper towel to help you grip the silver skin, pull/peel it off the bone. (It will be similar to pulling masking tape off a box). Repeat until you’ve gotten all or most of it off. A little bit left on the bone is fine.
• In a glass container, massage the ribs with the shio koji. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate, chilled, for 18 to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, wipe the ribs with paper towel to remove as much of the marinade as possible. In a baking dish large enough for the ribs to lie flat, scatter the onions to act as a rack for the ribs. Place the ribs on the onions and add enough apple juice or water to create a 1/4-inch pool.
• Cover and seal edges with foil and bake for about 2 1/2 hours.
• Check the ribs. They should be tender when pierced with a fork but not falling off the bone. They may need another 30 minutes for a total of 3 hours.

To finish the ribs:

• I like to bake my ribs a day ahead and chill them. This makes it easy to throw them on the grill for a last minute sear and glaze with the BBQ sauce.
• Remove the ribs from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
• Wrap the ends of the exposed bones with foil to keep them from burning.
• To grill: follow your grill instructions.
• To bake: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Brush both sides of the ribs with BBQ sauce. Place ribs meat side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake ribs for 15 to 20 minutes or just until the ribs are hot. Turn on your broiler and move the ribs to the top third of the oven but not at the very top. Broil just until the sauce is bubbling and has colored slightly. Flip the ribs and finish the second side.
• Serve extra, warmed sauce on the side.

STEPS - Sauce

• Heat the sesame oil in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring garlic in the hot oil until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir in all of the remaining ingredients except the lemon juice. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes or until a thick sauce has formed. Be careful not to burn the bottom.
• Add the lemon juice to taste.
• Use immediately or store in the fridge until needed.

STEPS - Jicama salad

• Place everything but the shiso leaves in a gallon plastic bag. Remove air, seal, and massage gently to cover all of the vegetables with the liquid. Refrigerate for 20 to 40 minutes.
• Drain the liquid. Slice the shiso leaves (or herbs) into thin ribbons and toss with the vegetables. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

STEPS - miso corn

• In a small bowl, mash the miso and butter with a fork until blended.
• Boil or BBQ the corn and serve the miso butter on the side.

About the Chef

Barbie Aknin of Community Cuisine has provided cooking instruction in corporate settings, cooking schools, private events, and in her own home for more than twenty years.

Community Cuisine brings people together in the kitchen to cook, to learn, and to celebrate. We teach the art, technique, and value of cooking by sharing wisdom from culinary traditions past and present. All classes incorporate professional cooking methodology that offers our students the tools they need to tackle any type of cuisine or diet.

To learn more about Community Cuisine, visit www.communitycuisine.com