Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs – Fall-Off-The-Bone Goodness

These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a luscious, caramelized glaze that’s sweet, savory, and garlicky. Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or whenever you want a show-stopping meat dish. You can bake, grill, or slow-cook them for the same incredible flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry, for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the ribs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
4. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 2.5–3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone.
6. Alternative: For faster prep, boil the ribs in a large pot of water for 1 hour until soft, then proceed to glaze and finish.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant, but not browned.
3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil.
4. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

1. Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry.
2. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring.
3. Continue to cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a sticky, glossy consistency.

Step 4: Glaze the Ribs

1. Remove the baked ribs from the oven and carefully open the foil.
2. Brush the ribs generously with the honey garlic sauce, making sure to coat every nook and cranny.
3. Optional: For a caramelized finish, broil the ribs for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve

• Slice the ribs between the bones.
• Drizzle with extra honey garlic sauce.
• Serve with sides like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Ribs

• Tender ribs: Low and slow baking ensures fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
• Sticky glaze: Don’t rush the simmering process; thickened sauce clings beautifully to the ribs.
• Extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Make ahead: Ribs can be baked a day in advance and reheated with sauce; they taste even better after marinating overnight.

Variations

• Grilled version: After baking, finish the ribs on a hot grill for 2–3 minutes per side for smoky char marks.
• Asian twist: Add a teaspoon of ginger paste or a splash of hoisin sauce to the glaze.
• Sweet & spicy: Mix in sriracha or chili garlic sauce with the honey for a sweet-spicy balance.

These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are a crowd-pleaser: tender, sweet, garlicky, and irresistibly sticky. They look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make at home.