Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs

Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Baked or grilled to perfection, these ribs are the ultimate finger-licking dish for BBQ season, game day, or whenever you’re craving something bold, sticky, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These ribs are incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweet honey, rich garlic, and a hint of soy sauce. The glaze gets irresistibly sticky as it cooks, coating the ribs in a glossy, savory-sweet layer. They’re easy to make in the oven or on the grill, and they deliver a restaurant-quality taste at home. Great for special dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika (optional)
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• Green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides of the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4. Place ribs on the rack, cover with foil, and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
5. While the ribs bake, make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.
6. Once ribs are tender, remove from oven and brush generously with the honey garlic sauce.
7. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or preheat the broiler. Return ribs to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, basting once or twice until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 4

Variations

• Grilled version: After baking, finish the ribs on a hot grill for 5–10 minutes, basting with sauce.
• Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the honey garlic sauce.
• Asian-inspired: Add ginger and a splash of hoisin sauce to the glaze.
• Slow cooker: Cook seasoned ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours, then glaze and broil.
• Boneless option: Use boneless country-style ribs for quicker cooking and easier serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. For extra caramelization, broil for a few minutes after reheating. Ribs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of ribs work best?

Baby back ribs or spare ribs both work well. Baby back ribs are more tender and leaner, while spare ribs are meatier and richer.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bake the ribs ahead and store them chilled. Reheat and glaze just before serving for the best texture.

Is the honey garlic sauce very sweet?

It’s sweet with a balanced garlic and soy sauce undertone. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the honey slightly.

Can I use pre-cooked ribs?

Yes, just reheat and baste with the honey garlic glaze, then broil or grill to finish.

How do I know when ribs are done?

They should be tender and the meat should pull away from the bones easily. An internal temperature of 190–203°F indicates ideal tenderness.

Can I cook the ribs faster?

You can parboil the ribs first to reduce oven time, but slow baking gives the best texture and flavor.

Do I need to remove the membrane?

Yes, removing the membrane from the back of the ribs helps the seasoning penetrate and makes the ribs more tender.

What sides go well with these ribs?

Coleslaw, roasted vegetables, cornbread, or garlic mashed potatoes make great pairings.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. It’s great for dipping or serving over rice, noodles, or other proteins.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into a memorable feast. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard BBQ or just indulging in a flavorful homemade meal, these ribs deliver a perfect mix of sticky, savory, and sweet. Try them once, and they’ll become a regular favorite in your rotation.

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