Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs: The Perfect Recipe

Photo byVal Reed

Few dishes can match the universal appeal of ribs, and when they’re drenched in a sticky honey garlic glaze, they become irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family barbecue, a weekend dinner, or just looking to indulge in something flavorful, honey garlic ribs are the perfect dish. Their mix of sweet and savory flavors, combined with tender meat that practically melts in your mouth, makes them a crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in the taste but in the process. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you can achieve restaurant-quality ribs in your own kitchen. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich, flavorful glaze that clings to the ribs, while the slow cooking ensures the meat is tender and juicy.

Recipe: Honey Garlic Ribs

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork or beef ribs (pork back ribs or beef short ribs work well)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ribs: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Bake the ribs: Place the ribs in a large roasting pan, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and cooked through.
3. Make the honey garlic sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, pepper, and sesame oil (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken, simmer another minute, then remove from heat.
4. Glaze the ribs: Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush the ribs generously with the honey garlic sauce. Ensure they’re coated on all sides.
5. Broil the ribs: Bake the ribs uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra caramelization.
6. Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

The Perfect Accompaniment

These honey garlic ribs are versatile, making them a fantastic centerpiece for many different sides. Serve them with steamed rice to soak up the sticky sauce, or add a fresh salad for balance. Roasted vegetables or creamy coleslaw also pair wonderfully, adding texture and contrast to the richness of the ribs.

From the slow-roasting to the final caramelization, this dish is all about building flavor. The sweetness of the honey, the depth of soy sauce, and the punch of garlic create a harmonious glaze that complements the tender meat. Whether you're making these for a casual meal or a special occasion, the result is guaranteed to impress.

For the Honey Garlic Ribs recipe, several reliable sources outline different variations and methods to achieve that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness.

1. Rock Recipes suggests a longer, slow-cooked method for exceptionally tender ribs. Their recipe includes a dry rub of ginger, garlic, and spices, combined with a honey, soy, and garlic glaze, which is brushed on repeatedly during the cooking process​(Rock Recipes).
2. Allrecipes provides a simpler, quicker version of honey garlic ribs, using basic ingredients like honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar. They recommend baking the ribs for about an hour, turning them every 20 minutes for even caramelization​(Allrecipes).
3. Cooking LSL features a similar honey and soy sauce glaze but with the addition of lime juice for a zesty finish. They recommend cooking the ribs for 1.5 hours, then finishing them under high heat for a sticky, caramelized result​(CookingLSL).

By combining these methods, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and adaptable. Whether you prefer slow-cooking for ultra-tender meat or a quicker oven-baked option, honey garlic ribs are sure to impress.