If you’re craving something that balances sweet, savory, and a touch of garlicky goodness, this Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender thanks to slow baking, and then given a beautifully sticky, caramelized glaze that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to master, and perfect for family dinners, weekend cookouts, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial part. From the rich umami of soy sauce to the sweet, golden honey, every element adds layers of flavor and texture that bring these ribs to life.
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs: The star ingredient, tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to season the ribs and enhance their natural flavor.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds a luscious sweetness and helps create that glossy, sticky glaze.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: Brings deep umami and a hint of saltiness to balance the honey.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the ribs with bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional): Adds a subtle spicy warmth and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a mild tang that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water: Used to thicken the honey garlic sauce perfectly.
- Chopped green onions, for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant crunch and color contrast.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: For a slight crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ribs
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it’s still attached — this helps the ribs become tender and lets flavor soak in better. Give them a quick rinse and pat dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks well.
Step 2: Season and Cover
Place the ribs bone side down on a foil-lined baking tray. Generously season with salt and pepper to bring out the pork’s natural flavor. Cover with another sheet of foil to lock in moisture while baking low and slow.
Step 3: Slow Bake Until Tender
Pop the ribs into your preheated oven and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissue, turning your ribs melt-in-your-mouth tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in without resistance.
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the ribs are baking, it’s time to create that signature sauce. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring it to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld beautifully, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Let it continue to cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This luscious glaze will perfectly cling to the ribs in the final step.
Step 6: Glaze and Caramelize
Remove the ribs from the oven and take off the top foil. Brush a generous layer of your honey garlic sauce all over the ribs. Then, increase your oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or switch to the broiler setting. Bake or broil the ribs for 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and edges start to turn slightly crispy.
Step 7: Final Glaze and Garnish
Once out of the oven, brush on extra sauce for that sticky, shiny finish. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top to add a fresh bite and a gorgeous presentation. Your Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe is now ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds instantly elevates the dish both visually and flavor-wise. The green onions add a mild onion crunch and vibrant color, while the sesame seeds offer subtle nuttiness and a little texture contrast that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
Honey Garlic Ribs pair wonderfully with simple sides that complement without overpowering. Classic choices include steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice to soak up the sauce, roasted or steamed veggies for freshness, or even a crisp Asian slaw to add a refreshing crunch. Mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw are great options if you want something more Western-style.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these ribs on a large platter sprinkled with extra sesame seeds and lined with banana leaves for a tropical vibe. You can also slice the ribs into individual bones and serve as finger food alongside dipping sauces like extra honey garlic glaze or a spicy sriracha mayo. Pairing with a cold beer or light white wine completes the experience perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight making for even tastier leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to keep ribs longer, wrap portions tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen ribs maintain their deliciousness for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Honey Garlic Ribs gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to keep them moist, or microwave covered for convenience. Add a little extra sauce when reheating to refresh the sticky glaze and maintain that perfect flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ribs for this Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe?
Yes, while baby back ribs are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use spare ribs. Keep in mind spare ribs are meatier and may require a longer cooking time to become tender.
Is it necessary to remove the membrane from the ribs?
Removing the membrane helps the ribs become more tender and allows the seasoning and sauce to penetrate better. It’s a small extra step that makes a big difference in texture.
Can I make this recipe on the grill instead of the oven?
Absolutely! You can slow-cook the ribs on the grill using indirect heat for the first 2 to 3 hours, then finish with direct heat while glazing to caramelize the sauce, mimicking the broiler step.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar or sesame oil?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, a mild white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute. Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor, but if unavailable, you can omit it or use a tiny bit of toasted vegetable oil instead.
Can I double this Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales up well. Just be sure to use a large enough baking tray or bake in batches so the ribs cook evenly and the sauce thickens properly without crowding.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that perfectly combines sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and promises satisfying results every time you prepare it. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to any other rib recipe. So gather the ingredients, fire up your oven, and enjoy every sticky, delicious bite!
Print
Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Honey Garlic Ribs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a luscious homemade honey garlic sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and umami. Slow-baked until fork-tender and broiled to caramelized perfection, they make an irresistible main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ribs
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and prep ribs: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the membrane from the ribs, rinse them under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels to ensure better seasoning absorption.
- Season and cover ribs: Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking tray. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of foil to trap moisture during baking.
- Slow bake ribs: Bake the covered ribs in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until they become fork-tender, ensuring a soft and juicy texture.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: While ribs bake, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, perfect for coating the ribs.
- Remove ribs and brush sauce: Carefully take the ribs out of the oven and remove the top foil. Brush the ribs generously with the thickened honey garlic sauce for rich flavor.
- Caramelize under broiler: Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or set to broil. Return the ribs to the oven uncovered and cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and form a sticky, glossy glaze.
- Final garnish and serve: Brush the ribs with additional sauce once out of the oven. Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh and nutty finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs ensures tenderness and better absorption of flavors.
- For extra smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning.
- Grated ginger is optional but adds a nice subtle warmth to the sauce.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, feel free to adjust the cornstarch slurry amount.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after broiling to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
- These ribs pair wonderfully with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
