Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs, a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. These tender ribs are slow-cooked to perfection and glazed with a rich honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully. Whether you’re preparing a special family dinner or hosting a backyard gathering, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. Serve these ribs with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Marination Time: 2-4 hours (optional but recommended)
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (excluding marination)
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by gently pulling it off with a paper towel for a more tender texture.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 2 hours or until the ribs are tender and pull apart easily.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- While the ribs are baking, prepare the sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Glaze the Ribs
- Once the ribs are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil.
- Preheat your broiler or grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush a generous amount of the honey garlic sauce over the ribs.
- Broil or grill for about 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This step caramelizes the sauce and gives the ribs a delicious sticky coating.
- Remove from heat and let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the ribs between the bones and serve hot, drizzled with extra honey garlic sauce. Pair them with roasted potatoes, a side of coleslaw, or grilled vegetables for a perfect meal.
Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The slow-cooking process ensures that the meat is tender, while the honey garlic glaze adds an irresistible finish. Whether you’re making them for a weekend dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy!