Spicy Thai ribs, with their bold, fiery flavor, are an iconic dish in the vibrant culinary culture of the Land of Smiles. This dish is not only a staple in Thai restaurants but also beloved worldwide, including in Vietnam.
Spicy Thai ribs – A culinary staple in Thai culture
Spicy ribs are a must-have at Thai gatherings and festivals. Served at street food stalls and upscale restaurants alike, they are a quintessential Thai delicacy. Their popularity has spread globally, particularly among fans of Thai cuisine.
Rooted in Thailand’s diverse and rich culinary heritage, spicy ribs have been crafted and refined over centuries. The perfect blend of Thai spices creates a distinctive dish cherished in households and grand feasts alike.
Spicy Thai ribs are an excellent choice for outdoor BBQ parties. Grilled over charcoal and seasoned with Thailand’s signature spicy flavors, they deliver a robust, irresistible taste.

Key ingredients for spicy Thai ribs
To create authentic spicy Thai ribs, the following ingredients are essential:
- Pork ribs: Carefully selected for freshness to ensure tenderness and juiciness when cooked.
- Spicy seasonings: Garlic, fresh chilies, and Thai staples like fish sauce and palm sugar.
- Other spices: Onions, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and ground pepper to enhance aroma and flavor.
Traditional recipe for spicy Thai ribs
Preparing spicy Thai ribs at home is straightforward with these steps:
Ingredients:
- 1kg pork ribs (choose large ribs)
- Onion, daikon radish, Thai chilies, red chilies, green onions, cilantro, cilantro roots
- Lime juice
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, fish sauce, seasoning powder
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare ingredients
- Rinse ribs and drain. Briefly blanch in boiling water to remove any odor.
- Peel and wash daikon radish, then cut into 2cm-thick pieces. Peel and slice onion into wedges. Wash green onions, cilantro, and cilantro roots, then drain. Cut cilantro roots in half for simmering, and finely chop the leaves.
Step 2: Simmer ribs
- In a large pot, add 2 liters of water, cilantro roots, 5g peppercorns, onion, daikon, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, add ribs, and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour until tender. Remove ribs and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare broth
- Toast Thai chilies in a pan to enhance spiciness, then add both Thai and red chilies to the simmering broth. Bring to a boil, season with seasoning powder and fish sauce to taste, and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off heat, then add 30ml lime juice, chopped cilantro, and green onions.
Step 4: Serve
- Place ribs on a plate and pour the broth evenly over them. Garnish with cilantro and chilies for extra appeal. Your spicy Thai ribs are ready to enjoy!
Enjoy:
- After long simmering, the ribs are tender and easily separate from the bone, blending perfectly with the tangy, spicy, and sweet broth. This dish is sure to keep you coming back for more.
Variations of spicy Thai ribs
Spicy Thai ribs come in several delightful variations:
- Grilled Spicy Thai Ribs: Grilled over charcoal or in an oven for a crispy, aromatic crust.
- Crispy Fried Spicy Ribs: Deep-fried to golden perfection, coated in fiery spices for an enticing crunch.
- Spicy Ribs with special Sauce: Some versions feature a unique sauce, adding depth and allure to the dish.
To make spicy Thai ribs at home, follow these simple steps using ingredients available at supermarkets. For convenience, you can substitute some spices with local alternatives like fresh chilies or pre-mixed grilling seasonings. Spicy Thai ribs are an enticing, easy-to-make dish that delivers a unique, bold flavor. Whether you’re a fan of spicy cuisine or eager to try something new, these ribs will captivate you from the first bite. Try cooking this dish at home and savor the taste of Thailand at your family table!