Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey Garlic Ribs are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and deeply comforting. This recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tender ribs coated in a glossy honey garlic glaze that clings to every bite. What makes these ribs special is how approachable they are. You do not need a grill or smoker to achieve incredible flavor. Everything comes together in the oven with simple pantry ingredients and a sauce that tastes far more complex than the effort involved. I tested this recipe several times, and one detail made a noticeable difference: slow-baking the ribs first, then glazing them generously at the end. This method ensures the meat stays juicy while the sauce thickens and caramelizes beautifully. These ribs are ideal for weekend dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a comforting meal that feels indulgent without being complicated. Once you try them, they are likely to become a repeat favorite.
Print
Honey Garlic Ribs: Sticky, Tender, and Irresistibly Savory
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Honey Garlic Ribs are tender, juicy ribs slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone and coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season ribs with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens slightly.
- Place ribs in a baking dish and pour half of the sauce over them.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours until tender.
- Remove foil, brush ribs with remaining sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until caramelized.
- Garnish if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate ribs in sauce overnight.
- Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning.
- Can also be finished on a grill for smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Pork ribs are the star of the dish. Baby back ribs are tender and cook evenly, while spare ribs offer a meatier texture and deeper flavor.
Salt is essential for seasoning the meat and enhancing the natural pork flavor. Proper salting ensures the ribs are flavorful all the way through.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Garlic provides the savory backbone of the sauce. Freshly minced garlic delivers the most robust aroma and taste.
Honey gives the ribs their signature sweetness and sticky finish. It caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, preventing the glaze from becoming overly sweet.
Ketchup contributes acidity and body to the sauce, helping it cling to the ribs.
Apple cider vinegar balances the richness and sweetness with subtle tang.
Butter adds richness and smoothness to the glaze, creating a glossy texture.
Cornstarch is used to slightly thicken the sauce, ensuring it coats the ribs evenly.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Season the ribs evenly with salt and black pepper. Wrap them tightly in foil and place on a baking tray. Bake slowly for about 2 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
While the ribs bake, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer gently for several minutes. Dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until slightly thickened.
Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them. Increase the oven temperature to 220°C. Brush the ribs generously with the honey garlic sauce.
Return the ribs to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with more sauce halfway through, until sticky and caramelized. Serve hot.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature, covered with foil, to maintain moisture.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is very adaptable. For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the glaze. You can replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. I once added grated ginger to the sauce, and it introduced a subtle warmth that paired beautifully with the garlic. For a smoky flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika over the ribs before baking. These ribs also work well with chicken if pork is not preferred. The glaze is versatile and complements many proteins.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Honey Garlic Ribs are a protein-rich dish with a balance of sweet and savory flavors. Reducing the amount of honey slightly can lower overall sugar content. Pairing the ribs with vegetables helps create a more balanced meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Slow baking
Cooking the ribs slowly ensures tender, juicy meat.
Glaze timing
Apply the sauce at the end to prevent burning.
Foil sealing
Wrap ribs tightly to lock in moisture during baking.
FAQs
Can I use boneless ribs?
Bone-in ribs are recommended for best flavor and tenderness.
Are these ribs very sweet?
They are balanced, not overly sweet.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, bake the ribs in advance and glaze before serving.
Can I freeze cooked ribs?
Yes, freeze for up to one month.
What sides pair well?
Roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes work well.
Can I grill these ribs?
Yes, finish them on the grill for added char.
Is cornstarch necessary?
It helps thicken the sauce but can be omitted.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh?
Fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor.
How do I know when ribs are done?
The meat should pull away easily from the bone.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes, extra sauce is great for serving on the side.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Ribs are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers tender meat and a sticky, flavorful glaze. With simple steps and dependable results, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a memorable meal at home.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!