These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The ribs are slow-cooked to tender perfection and coated with a luscious honey garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, glossy coating. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, these ribs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sesame seeds or chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the thin membrane (silver skin) from the back of the ribs for tenderness. Use a sharp knife to carefully peel it off.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Marinade/Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. This combination creates a perfectly balanced sweet and savory glaze.
- Reserve about 1/3 of the marinade in a separate bowl for glazing later.
- Marinate the Ribs (Optional):
- Rub the remaining marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Cook the Ribs:
- Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
- Unwrap the ribs, drain any excess liquid, and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- Grill Method:
- Preheat the grill to 325°F (160°C). Place the ribs on a wire rack in a disposable foil pan with 2 cups of water. Cover with foil and grill for 2.5 hours.
- Apply the Glaze:
- While the ribs are cooking, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency (about 5 minutes).
- Brush the glaze generously over the ribs.
- Caramelize the Ribs:
- Place the ribs back in the oven or on the grill. Cook uncovered at 425°F (220°C) for 10–15 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 5 minutes. This step helps the glaze caramelize beautifully.
- Serve:
- Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting into individual portions.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Enjoy these finger-licking Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with a side of steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad! They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.