These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are the ultimate finger-licking indulgence—fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs glazed with a sweet, garlicky sauce that caramelizes into a sticky masterpiece. Slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a rich honey garlic glaze, they’re ideal for backyard barbecues, cozy dinners, or game-day feasts. The balance of savory soy, aromatic garlic, and golden honey creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Whether oven-baked or grilled, these ribs are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for deeper sweetness)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
Start by removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This thin membrane can make ribs tough and prevent seasoning from penetrating. Slide a butter knife under the membrane, grip it with a paper towel, and pull it off in one piece.
Season both sides of the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, ginger, and kosher salt. Rub the spices in well and let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes—or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Slow Bake the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Place the ribs on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 8–9 hours, depending on thickness. Baby back ribs may take slightly less time than side ribs. This low-and-slow method ensures ultra-tender meat.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
While the ribs bake, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 1 minute.
Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and optional brown sugar and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Watch closely—it can foam up quickly. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
In the final 2 hours of baking, begin brushing the glaze onto the ribs every 30 minutes, turning them each time. This layering builds a sticky, caramelized crust that clings to the meat.
For extra stickiness, increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) in the last 15 minutes. Brush on a final coat of glaze and bake uncovered until bubbling and glossy.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove ribs from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice between the bones and serve warm with extra glaze drizzled on top. Napkins highly recommended—these are gloriously messy!
🍽️ Tips & Variations
- Grill Finish: After baking, finish ribs on a hot grill for 5 minutes per side to add smoky char.
- Slow Cooker Option: Cook seasoned ribs on low for 6–7 hours, then glaze and broil for 5 minutes.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of sesame oil or hoisin sauce to the glaze for an Asian twist.
- Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
- Make-Ahead: Bake ribs and refrigerate. Reheat and glaze before serving.
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a low oven.
- Reheat: Warm ribs in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through.
These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are pure comfort food with a gourmet twist—easy to make, impossible to forget. Want to try a tropical pineapple glaze or a sugar-free version next? I’ve got ideas that’ll keep your rib game sizzling.