Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are a sweet and savory treat that make your mouth water! These tender ribs are coated in a delicious honey-garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible.
I can’t resist licking my fingers after enjoying these! They’re perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. Just be prepared for sticky fingers and happy smiles! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Baby back ribs are more tender and have less meat than spare ribs. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, spare ribs will work just fine. Another great alternative is using chicken thighs or drumsticks for a lighter option while still getting that finger-licking goodness.
Honey: This is essential for that sweet stickiness. If you’re unable to use honey, agave syrup or maple syrup can be a suitable substitute. They will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still sweeten the BBQ sauce nicely!
Soy Sauce: A staple that adds savory depth. If you’re gluten-free, look for tamari soy sauce, which is a great alternative without gluten. Coconut aminos is also a good choice for a soy-free option.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger provide excellent flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but fresh will give the best taste. I often find myself doubling these amounts for extra punch!
Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds a wonderful nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use any neutral oil, but it will miss that distinct taste.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender, flavorful ribs is in the marinating process and baking time. Marinate the ribs for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Slow cooking at a low temperature keeps the meat juicy.
- Wrap the ribs in foil to keep moisture in while they’re baking. This step is crucial for tenderness!
- Cook them for 2.5 to 3 hours to achieve fall-off-the-bone goodness.
- After baking, brush on your thickened marinade and return them to a hot oven for caramelization, which will create a delicious glaze.
Let the ribs rest a few minutes before slicing—this helps the juices redistribute and makes for a more succulent bite!
Delicious Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Garnish:
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 2 hours or more for marinating (overnight is best). You’ll need 2.5 to 3 hours of baking time, followed by a brief resting time. In total, plan for about 5 hours, including marination, to enjoy these delicious ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help make the ribs tender while they cook. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup later—trust me, it makes a difference!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended—that’s your flavorful marinade!
3. Marinate the Ribs:
Take the ribs and place them in a large resealable bag or a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for flavor!
4. Bake the Ribs:
Once the ribs are marinated, take them out of the refrigerator. Grab the baking sheet you prepared earlier and place the ribs on it. Don’t forget to save the marinade for later! Cover the ribs with aluminum foil and bake them in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they are fork-tender.
5. Heat the Marinade:
While the ribs are baking, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This will make an amazing glaze for your ribs!
6. Glaze the Ribs:
Once the ribs are tender, take them out of the oven and remove the foil. Brush the thickened marinade generously over the ribs, coating them in all that goodness.
7. Caramelize in the Oven:
Now, it’s time to elevate the flavors! Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step will help caramelize the glaze and give the ribs a delightful sticky texture.
8. Let Them Rest:
After caramelizing, remove the ribs from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes so the juices settle nicely. While you wait, prepare your garnish!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before you serve your super sticky ribs, sprinkle them with sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley or green onions. This adds a beautiful touch and a fresh flavor.
10. Enjoy:
Slice between the ribs, serve them up, and enjoy the sticky, sweet, and savory flavors of your homemade honey garlic ribs! Dig in and delight your taste buds!
### FAQ for Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use baby back ribs, spare ribs, or even St. Louis-style ribs. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness and type of ribs, so keep an eye on them to ensure they’re tender.
What If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
No problem! If you’re out of rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but it will still add the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can brush on a little extra marinade before reheating for extra flavor!
Can I Grill the Ribs Instead of Baking?
Yes! If you prefer grilling, you can cook the marinated ribs on a preheated grill over medium heat. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes per side, basting with the thickened marinade, until they’re well-cooked and have nice grill marks. Just be careful not to burn the glaze!
