Applebee's Korean BBQ Riblets Copycat Recipe (Asian Fusion)
These tender riblets transformed our dinner night! Sweet and savory Korean BBQ glaze with sesame seeds and green onions, fall-off-the-bone texture.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- pork riblets 3 lbs
- green onion (for garnish) 1 bunch
- toasted sesame seeds 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
- soy sauce 1 cup
- brown sugar 1 cup
- honey 3 tbsp
- rice vinegar 3 tbsp
- sesame oil 1 tbsp
- garlic (minced) 4 cloves
- fresh ginger (grated) 1 tbsp
- gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tbsp
- black pepper 1 tsp
- kosher salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
38 g
17%
Protein
38 g
18%
Fat
51 g
65%
Cooking steps
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1
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, black pepper, and kosher salt until fully blended.
-
2
Place pork riblets in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour over the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for deep flavor infusion.
-
3
Preheat grill to high (450°F). Remove riblets from marinade (reserve marinade for glazing). Grill riblets over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side to develop signature Applebee's-style char marks. Grill tip: Searing at high heat locks in juices and creates authentic grill marks.
-
4
Transfer riblets to a baking sheet. Brush both sides with reserved marinade. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, basting halfway, until tender and caramelized. (Oven finish ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.)
-
5
Remove riblets and rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter, drizzle with thickened remaining glaze, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion for classic Applebee's presentation.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this actually taste like Applebee's?
Absolutely! The recipe uses a Korean BBQ marinade with soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and gochujang to match Applebee's signature sweet-tangy glaze. High-heat grilling for char marks followed by an oven finish delivers the same texture and caramelization you expect from Applebee's Korean BBQ Riblets.
Q. Do I need special equipment for this recipe?
No special restaurant equipment needed. A standard outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan gives the riblets their signature sear, and a regular oven ensures perfect tenderness. No smoker or pro grill required—this is designed for home kitchens!
Q. Can I adjust the spice level or use a different protein?
Definitely! Use more or less gochujang to control the spice. You can substitute pork riblets with chicken wings or beef short ribs—just adjust grilling and baking times for the cut you choose. The core technique and marinade work beautifully for several proteins.
Q. How many calories are in a serving and what’s the nutrition breakdown?
Each hearty serving has about 870 kcal, with 38g carbs (17%), 38g protein (18%), and 51g fat (65%), closely mirroring the indulgence of a true Applebee's BBQ riblet platter.
Q. Is it cheaper to make these at home than ordering Applebee’s Korean BBQ Riblets?
Yes! The total ingredient cost for 4 generous servings usually equals or is less than the price of two restaurant entrees, making this homemade version a tasty and wallet-friendly option.
