Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Lisa Keys
Baby Back Char Siu Pork Ribs and candied bacon for the win. With only 4 ingredients including salt and pepper these Chinese pork ribs could not be easier to prepare. They will remind you of the very best take-out.
The candied bacon is just a little something extra. Like my crispy coconut chicken and Boston cream pie, these are the kind of recipes that happy food memories inspire. Can you smell them?
Growing up in a traditional Italian home my mom cooked nearly every night for all 7 of us. Having only raised two, I honestly can't imagine how much work it was for her to cook for 5 children, 4 of them being very hungry boys. I am not certain she really liked to cook.
Weekly, she got a Friday or Saturday night off from the kitchen. This was a total treat for her. As the saying goes, "when Mama's happy everybody is happy"! Dining out in our household meant one of two things: Chrone's for pizza or Chu Dynasty for Chinese.
My dad adored Asian food, and he definitely passed that passion on to me. Since my mom never prepared pasta like lo mein in her kitchen, trips to Chu Dynasty on Route 22 were a pure delight.
Dad always ordered "family style," selecting dishes from Column A and Column B. Our feast included everything from wonton soup to Lobster Cantonese, but he always prioritized the char siu pork ribs (or "spare-libs," as we called them).
Those ribs remain a vivid memory: meaty, juicy, and falling off the bone. I still wonder how they achieved that distinct, vibrant shade of red.
Time to dip into the sauce!
I first discovered Butcher Block years ago when I tried their teriyaki. With simple ingredients like sugar, soy sauce, water, fresh garlic, and fresh ginger, it actually tastes better than homemade. It offers both incredible flavor and total convenience.
This sauce serves as the secret ingredient in several of my recipe contest wins. I even won a Harley-Davidson motorcycle by using it in a salad dressing! Trust me, this sauce is a true winner.
Then, there is the rib sauce. Made in the USA, the primary ingredients are sugar, sherry wine, salt, hoisin and spices. It looks like strawberry puree. For full impact flavor, the ribs can be marinated in the sauce overnight and baked in the oven.
It only takes 4 simple ingredients to make some happy food memories. I prefer my Chinese spare ribs boneless these days. Just use country style pork ribs for a boneless version.
Char Siu Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 racks baby back ribs no trimming necessary
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup Butcher Block Rib Sauce
Instructions
- Heat oven to 500F. Fill a roasting pan (I used my oven broiler pan) with ½-inch of water. Place a rack on the pan.
- Season ribs generously with salt and pepper; place on rack. Cover the ribs with heavy duty foil, forming a tent so the foil isn't touching the ribs and seal the foil tightly around the edge of the pan.
- Place in hot oven for 1 hour. Cool in tented foil for 1 hour.
- Remove from pan, wrap in foil and chill until ready to grill.
- Grill ribs, over medium heat, turning and basting with rib sauce, until hot and glazed.
- Be careful as the meat will be falling off the bone....YUM!
Notes
Nutrition
I used the rib sauce to candy some bacon, too! Simply dice six slices of bacon and cook them until crisp, draining the grease as you go. Stir one tablespoon of rib sauce into the pan until it glazes the bacon.
This sweet and savory topping was a big hit on the sliders. You can also glaze your burgers with the sauce for an extra kick!
I hope I have inspired you today to make some food memories with your family and maybe even a recipe contest winner. If you would like to try any of the Butcher Block products you can order them on-line at butcher block sauces or you can give them a call at 1-617-269-1105.
I imagine if you are lucky enough to live in the Boston area you can pick them up in your local grocery store.
Donna Bardocz says
Loved your special memories Lisa! And I would love to be your giveaway winner to make my own special memories! :).
lisakeys64 says
Good luck and thanks for stopping by
Jannine Fisk says
Another inspired blog post - loved seeing the photo of you on the Harley! Butcher Block sauces are delicious ... I've had the pleasure of trying them as well as having meats that have been marinated in them. I'd love a chance to win the prize pack. Keep up the great work in the kitchen and at the keyboard 🙂
lisakeys64 says
So happy that you can attest to the deliciousness of these products--thanks for stopping by
Mary Louise says
As always, I enjoy your beautifully written blog! Thank you for sharing with us. I would love to win that delicious sounding sauce. 🙂 🙂 🙂 & Bon Appetit, Y'all always! Mary Louise
lisakeys64 says
With your creative genius in the kitchen I know that you can take those sauces into new winning territory
Louis Matino (@LouMatino) says
Never saw that picture of you on the motorcycle before. That's a great shot. Too bad they didn't have Instagram in those days, lol. That sauce sounds great. I will check out their web site.
lisakeys64 says
Thanks--you will love the sauces
Carol Rollins says
Chinese ribs were a big favorite in our family as well when we were growing up. Am definitely going to try these ribs and sauce. Love your blog.
Carol R
lisakeys64 says
Thanks Carol. Butcher Block rib sauce makes it easy and delicious and exactly how I remember those ribs
Daryl says
Each dish looked better then the next. Bacon in that sauce - OMG! Must have!
lisakeys64 says
Hope you will try it or come visit and I will cook for you
Daryl says
I vote for visit!
Kim Rollings says
Loved your story, Lisa. Especially the picture with the cherry red Harley! What a fun prize!
lisakeys64 says
Thanks. Probably my most unusual win ever
Ellen Aronheim says
Lisa I remember when you won the Harley in a "hog inspired" contest, no? 🙂 The candied bacon on the sliders looks like a winner to me!
lisakeys64 says
Very good memory,,,, it was a pork inspired recipe
Carol Walsh says
I was with you at Stew's when we saw that Harley roped off in the middle of the store...of course you HAD to enter the contest and of course you WON! Anyway, the ribs look so good (as does the bacon). Need to get a bottle of that soon!
lisakeys64 says
Check at 4 Corners grocery store. That is where I first found the teriyaki but now I buy it mail order
Diane Barnard says
Lisa, Not sure what I love best about this blog. I too love Asian food; the bbq ribs smothered in that sauce is nothing short of mouthwatering; and any recipe that has candy and bacon in the same sentence . . . well enough said about that; but no - the picture of you on that Harley is hands down the very best part of this blog!
lisakeys64 says
Yes me and a Harley is quite fun... Motorcycle mama
lisakeys64 says
Congratulations!! You are a winner in the Butcher Block give away. Please send me your snail mail address.
Lisa says
How funny that one of my family memories is getting together with everyone and also ordering Chinese food with your brother (my Uncle Charlie) who also always ordered ribs! I did always wonder what made them red. I definitely have to order these sauces! Sound yummy! Love the motorcycle Mama pic!
lisakeys64 says
So many happy occasions and wonderful memories center around the food we share together
laurielufkin says
I didn't see the Harley when I was at your house! And the sauce looks delicious.... My dad was a big fan of Asian ribs also!
lisakeys64 says
Laurie--do I look like a motorcycle Mama to you? It scared me to death, so I sold it.
Julie says
I had no idea about the Harley! Loved that pic. We need to hear more next time the Marshall girls get together.
lisakeys64 says
Julie--the guys in the cook-off were pretty disappointed to not be going home with the Harley
Danielle says
I love that Harley story! And what a great recipe both for the memory you have and the tribute to your dad!
lisakeys64 says
some pretty great prizes back in the old days
lisakeys64 says
You are a winner in the give away--please send me your snail mail address. Congratulations!
Donna says
Never heard if this brand and I'm from the Boston area. Looks wonderful!
lisakeys64 says
should be easy for you to find--definitely worth the search
Susan Bickta says
Loved reading about your memories, Lisa!!! The bbq looks awesome!! Thanks for sharing.....
lisakeys64 says
Thanks for stopping in--it really is delish
cherylsnavely says
Great story! I want to try those ribs but I need the sauce!
lisakeys64 says
The sauce makes the ribs for sure
Ronna F says
It's a pleasure to read about your memories. And your recipes are delish!!!!
lisakeys64 says
Thanks for stopping by.
Debbie R. says
Lisa, thanks for sharing with us! I am making ribs tonight...wish I had some of that sauce right now to use on them!!
lisakeys64 says
maybe you will win some or you can always order directly from Butcher Block--it is worth it
HelenF says
Your stories and recipes are always so inspiring. Would love to try the sauces.
lisakeys64 says
Thank you Helen. I sure do appreciate your nice comments. Inspiring.....
Betsy says
Mouth is watering......
Bill is a lucky man!!!!
lisakeys64 says
I heard you did quite a lot of cooking this past week....and I need a certain satay sauce recipe
A Merry Recipe says
I have not heard Butcher Block products ~ sounds yummy ~ love to try!
lisakeys64 says
I think Butcher Block may only be available in New England grocery stores. I encourage you to order some. I promise you will not be disappointed.