Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs

 Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs – The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Delight

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs—juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs coated in a rich, caramelized honey garlic glaze. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, this dish is a must-try for BBQ lovers and home cooks alike. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or craving restaurant-quality ribs at home, this recipe will leave your guests raving.

These sticky, finger-licking ribs are oven-baked to perfection, then broiled to achieve that irresistible caramelized finish. The honey garlic sauce adds a luscious, glossy coating that’s bursting with flavor, making these ribs the ultimate indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to Make – Minimal prep, maximum flavor!

✔ Perfectly Tender – Slow-cooked for juicy, fall-apart ribs.

✔ Flavor-Packed Sauce – A delicious balance of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar.

✔ Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for game nights, BBQs, and special occasions.

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Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Ribs:

2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs) – The star of the dish! Baby back ribs are leaner, while spare ribs are meatier and more flavorful.

1 teaspoon salt & 1 teaspoon black pepper – Enhances the natural taste of the meat.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Adds a subtle smoky depth.

For the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce:

1/4 cup honey – The key to the sticky, caramelized glaze.

1/4 cup soy sauce – Provides a rich umami base.

3 tablespoons brown sugar – Deepens the sweetness and aids caramelization.

4 cloves garlic, minced – Delivers that bold, aromatic garlic punch.

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar) – Adds tanginess to balance the sweetness.

1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional) – Infuses a hint of nuttiness.

1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water – Thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze.

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this ensures tenderness).

3. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Slow-Bake for Tenderness

4. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.

5. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Step 3: Prepare the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

6. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil.

7. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce starts to thicken (about 3–5 minutes).

8. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce, allowing it to thicken into a glossy glaze.

Step 4: Glaze & Broil for Perfection

9. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).

10. Brush the sticky honey garlic sauce generously over the ribs.

11. Broil for 5–7 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and becomes irresistibly sticky.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

12. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

13. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).

14. Serve hot and enjoy the sticky, finger-licking goodness!

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Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs

✔ Remove the membrane – This ensures the ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender.

✔ Slow-bake for juiciness – Low and slow cooking makes the ribs ultra-tender.

✔ Broil for caramelization – This step is key for that sticky, flavorful crust.

✔ Let the ribs rest – This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat succulent.

✔ Use fresh garlic – Pre-minced garlic lacks the same bold flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair these Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with these delicious sides for a complete meal:

Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting.

Grilled Corn on the Cob – Adds a smoky, sweet contrast.

Asian Slaw – A refreshing, crunchy side that balances the richness.

Steamed Jasmine Rice – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce!

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, restaurant-quality rib recipe, these Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are a game-changer. The combination of sweet honey, bold garlic, and savory soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that takes these ribs to the next level.

With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe guarantees tender, juicy, and incredibly delicious ribs every single time. Mak

e them once, and they’ll become a family favorite!

Ready to impress? Try these ribs today and let us know how they turned out in the comments!