Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs—now that’s a mouthwatering dish! This recipe combines tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Here’s an easy recipe to make sticky honey garlic ribs that will impress your guests (or just satisfy your own cravings)!
Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe
Ingredients:
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For the Ribs:
- 1 rack of baby back ribs (about 2-3 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for a little smokiness)
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For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a slight tang)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for depth)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for a zingy kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water (to dissolve the cornstarch)
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For Garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced green onions
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs (the thin membrane that can make the ribs tough). You can do this by using a paper towel to grip the membrane and pulling it off gently.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Rub the ribs with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and the other spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin). Massage the seasoning into the meat on both sides.
2. Cook the Ribs:
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper (you can also use a rack if you have one for extra air circulation).
- Cover the ribs with another piece of foil, sealing them tightly. This will keep them moist while they cook.
- Bake the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours. After this time, the ribs should be tender, and you can check by gently pulling at the meat with a fork. If it’s easy to pull apart, they’re ready for the next step.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- While the ribs are baking, make the honey garlic sauce.
- In a saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sesame oil (and ginger, if using).
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for 4-5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Stir and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
4. Glaze and Caramelize:
- Once the ribs are cooked and tender, remove them from the oven and discard the top piece of foil.
- Brush a generous amount of the honey garlic sauce over the ribs. Save some sauce for serving later.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting with the sauce every 5 minutes, until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Once the ribs are glazed and sticky, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions for extra freshness and crunch.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the sticky honey garlic ribs with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- You could also pair it with some grilled corn on the cob or roasted vegetables to balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
Tips for the Best Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs:
- Slow-Cook or Grill Option: If you prefer grilling, you can finish these ribs on a grill instead of the oven. Just cook them on low heat, basting with the honey garlic sauce until they’re beautifully caramelized.
- Resting Time: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices locked in and prevents the meat from being dry.
- Double the Sauce: If you’re a fan of extra sticky sauce, double the sauce recipe and use it for extra glazing and dipping.
Why These Ribs are a Must-Try:
- The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
- The slow-cooked tender meat combined with the sticky glaze makes these ribs melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
These sticky honey garlic ribs will definitely be a hit at your next BBQ or dinner! Have you made ribs before, or is this your first time trying them out?