Oh yes — Honey Garlic Ribs are sticky, savory, sweet, and tender enough to fall off the bone. 🐷✨
Here’s a tried-and-true recipe that works beautifully with either pork back ribs or spare ribs, and can be made oven-baked or grilled.
🍯 Honey Garlic Ribs
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
- 3–4 lbs (1.5–2 kg) pork ribs (baby back or side/spare ribs)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional for dry rub)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup (adds tang and color)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for flavor depth)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep and Parboil (Optional but Recommended)
- Cut ribs into 3–4 rib sections for easier handling.
- Place ribs in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a gentle simmer for 20–25 minutes, skimming off foam.
- Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
(This removes excess fat and ensures fall-off-the-bone tenderness.)
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
- Set aside ½ cup of sauce for basting or dipping later.
3. Bake the Ribs
Option A – Oven Method (Tender & Sticky):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place ribs meat-side up on a wire rack or directly on the foil.
- Brush generously with the honey garlic sauce.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake 1 hour.
- Remove foil, baste again, and bake 20–30 minutes more, until caramelized and sticky.
Option B – Grill Method (Smoky & Charred):
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Grill ribs for about 20–25 minutes, turning and brushing with sauce every 5 minutes until nicely glazed and lightly charred.
4. Finish & Serve
- Brush ribs with the reserved warm sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve hot — the meat should be tender, glossy, and pull easily from the bone.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Pair with steamed rice, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
- Add a wedge of lime or sprinkle of chili flakes for a little zip.
- Great party dish — just pre-bake and glaze on the grill before serving.
Would you like a slow-cooker / Instant Pot version (super easy and fall-off-the-bone tender) as well?
