Here’s a delicious Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs recipe that balances sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors perfectly. I’ll break it down step by step.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Ribs:
- 2–3 lbs (900g–1.4kg) pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup (optional, adds tanginess and color)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs (this helps them stay tender).
- Season ribs generously with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Set aside about 2–3 tablespoons of the sauce for basting later.
3. Cook the Ribs
Oven Method (Tender and Juicy):
- Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 2–2.5 hours until tender.
Grill Option:
- Grill ribs over low heat (indirect heat) for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
4. Glaze and Caramelize
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat up a grill.
- Brush ribs generously with honey garlic sauce.
- Bake or grill uncovered for 10–15 minutes, brushing once or twice more, until sticky and caramelized.
5. Serve
- Let ribs rest 5 minutes, then slice between bones.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Ribs
- For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the honey garlic sauce for 2–4 hours or overnight before cooking.
- Don’t skip removing the membrane—it makes the ribs fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Keep an eye on the sugars in the honey while broiling or grilling—they can burn quickly.
If you want, I can also give you a quick 30-minute version that’s sticky and delicious without the long baking time. It’s perfect if you’re short on time.
Do you want me to make that quick version too?
