Description
These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, sweet, and savory glaze made with honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Whether baked, grilled, or slow-cooked, the result is fall-apart ribs with a glossy, irresistible coating.
Introduction
If you’re looking for a rib recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, these Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are the perfect choice. The glaze strikes the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky richness, creating a mouthwatering finish that sticks beautifully to the meat. You can prepare these for barbecues, family dinners, or weekend gatherings with confidence—they’re always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The glaze is sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor.
The ribs come out tender no matter which cooking method you choose.
The sauce uses simple, everyday ingredients.
It’s versatile—bake, grill, or slow-cook with great results.
Perfect for feeding a family or a crowd.
Ingredients
2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional but recommended)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt and pepper to season ribs before cooking
Instructions
Prepare the ribs by removing the silver skin from the back if desired. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, and black pepper to make the glaze.
Choose your cooking method:
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place ribs on a foil-lined tray, brush with glaze, cover with foil, and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours. Remove foil, brush with more glaze, and bake 20–30 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-low. Brush ribs with glaze and grill for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally and basting every 20 minutes.
Slow Cooker Method: Place ribs in the slow cooker, pour glaze over them, and cook on low for 6–8 hours. For a caramelized finish, broil or grill the ribs for a few minutes afterward.
Baste generously in the final cooking stage for maximum stickiness.
Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy version.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.
Swap rice vinegar with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Brush with extra glaze before serving for added shine.
Tips for the Best Results
Remove the rib membrane for more tender meat.
Cook low and slow for fall-off-the-bone texture.
Baste multiple times for the stickiest glaze.
Let the ribs rest briefly so the juices settle.
Storage Tips
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Extra glaze can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
Pair with grilled corn, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges.
Add rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra glaze.
Garnish with green onions or parsley for color.
FAQs
Can I use beef ribs instead?
Yes, but beef ribs take longer to cook. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make the glaze thicker?
Simmer the sauce in a small saucepan for a few minutes to thicken before brushing.
Can I prepare the ribs ahead?
Yes. Season and glaze them the day before, refrigerate, and cook the next day.
Do I need to remove the silver skin?
It’s optional, but removing it makes the ribs more tender.
Conclusion
These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs deliver a perfect mix of sweetness, savory depth, and tender texture that makes every bite unforgettable. With simple ingredients and flexible cooking options, this recipe is easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for special gatherings. Once you try these ribs, they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen all year long.