These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, coated in a rich, sweet, and savory glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Slowly cooked to perfection, the ribs absorb the deep flavors of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, creating a glossy, caramelized finish. Whether baked, grilled, or prepared in an Instant Pot, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Ginger
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Ground Thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Honey
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Ribs:
- 4 pounds Pork Ribs (Baby Back or Side Ribs)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
- Remove the Silver Skin – On the back of the ribs, there is a thin membrane called silver skin. Use a butter knife to loosen it, then pull it off completely. This helps the seasoning penetrate better.
- Rub the Spice Mix – In a small bowl, mix together the dry rub ingredients. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the spice mix.
- Marinate – Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight, for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
- Sauté Garlic – In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the Sauce – Stir in honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Cook the Ribs
- Slow Bake Method – Preheat the oven to 225°F (107°C). Place the ribs on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake uncovered for 8-9 hours, turning occasionally.
- Instant Pot Method – Place the ribs in an Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. Cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
- Grill Method – Preheat the grill to medium heat. Cook the ribs for 1.5-2 hours, turning occasionally.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
- Brush with Honey Garlic Sauce – In the last 2 hours of baking (or final 30 minutes of grilling), begin brushing the glaze onto the ribs every 30 minutes.
- Caramelize the Glaze – For extra stickiness, broil the ribs for 5 minutes at the end of cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Rest the Ribs – Let the ribs sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with Extra Sauce – Drizzle additional honey garlic glaze over the ribs before serving.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Ribs:
- Slow cooking ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
- Removing the silver skin helps the seasoning absorb better.
- Layering the glaze creates a sticky, caramelized finish.
- Pair with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread.
These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are a finger-licking masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Whether baked, grilled, or pressure-cooked, they deliver bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. 🍯🧄🥩
For more variations, check out this recipe guide!