Introduction
Honey Garlic Ribs are a flavorful fusion of sweet and savory, featuring tender pork ribs glazed with a rich, garlicky honey sauce. Whether baked, grilled, or slow-cooked, this recipe guarantees juicy, fall-apart ribs coated in a sticky, golden glaze. Ideal for cookouts, family dinners, or game days, these ribs deliver irresistible taste with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
3–4 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing or baking)
Honey Garlic Sauce:
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening)
Instructions
Oven Method (Tender + Caramelized)
Prep Ribs:
Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat dry, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Pre-Bake Ribs:
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until very tender.
Make Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Optional: Add cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 more minutes.
Glaze and Broil:
Remove ribs from foil and brush generously with sauce. Broil on high for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Grill Method (Smoky + Sweet)
Parboil Ribs (Optional):
Simmer ribs in water with a splash of vinegar for 30–40 minutes to tenderize.
Grill Ribs:
Preheat grill to medium. Grill ribs for 10–15 minutes, brushing with sauce and turning frequently until charred and sticky.
Description
Honey Garlic Ribs strike a perfect balance—sweet from the honey and brown sugar, savory from soy and garlic, and rich from slow-cooked pork. The meat becomes tender enough to pull apart with your fingers, while the glaze delivers bold, crave-worthy flavor. Whether roasted or grilled, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Tips
Remove the Membrane: Always take off the silver skin from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness.
Bake Low and Slow: Ensures fall-off-the-bone texture.
Watch the Broil: The sauce can burn quickly due to the sugar—keep a close eye.
Double the Sauce: Save extra to serve on the side or drizzle over rice.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Asian-Style: Use hoisin sauce and sesame oil for deeper umami flavor.
Slow Cooker: Cook ribs on low for 6–8 hours, then broil to finish with sauce.
Boneless Version: Use country-style pork ribs or boneless strips for easier eating.
Corrections
Too Sweet? Add more soy sauce or a splash of lemon juice to balance.
Too Thin Sauce? Simmer longer or use a cornstarch slurry.
Too Dry? Cover tightly while baking and baste often while grilling.
Enjoy
Serve your Honey Garlic Ribs with mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, or steamed rice. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want a flavorful dinner, these ribs deliver sticky, tender perfection in every bite. Prepare napkins—you’ll need them!