HONEY GARLIC RIBS

Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs

These fall-off-the-bone ribs are coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze with the perfect sticky finish. Great for gatherings, game day, or a special family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Ribs

· 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4–5 lbs total)
· 1 tablespoon kosher salt
· 2 teaspoons black pepper
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 cup apple juice or broth (for braising)

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

· ½ cup honey
· ⅓ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
· 6 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
· 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional but recommended)
· 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
· 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
· 2 teaspoons sesame oil
· 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For Garnish

· Sesame seeds
· Sliced green onions
· Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Season Ribs

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (slide a butter knife under it, grip with a paper towel, and peel off).
2. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub evenly over both sides of the ribs.

Step 2: Oven Braise (Tenderize)

1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Place ribs meat-side up on a large sheet of heavy-duty foil (each rack on its own foil sheet). Pour apple juice around ribs (not directly on top).
3. Wrap tightly in foil, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 2½–3 hours, until tender.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

1. While ribs cook, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, hoisin, sriracha, ginger, and sesame oil in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Whisk in cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Glaze & Finish

1. Remove ribs from oven and carefully open foil (watch for steam).
2. Drain juices (can be reserved for soup or discard).
3. Brush ribs generously with glaze on both sides.
4. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Return ribs to oven (uncovered) and bake for 10–15 minutes until glaze is sticky and caramelized.
5. Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra char (watch closely!).

Step 5: Serve

1. Let ribs rest 5–10 minutes, then slice between bones.
2. Drizzle with remaining warm glaze, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
3. Serve immediately.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Slow Cooker

· Season ribs and place in slow cooker.
· Pour ½ cup broth or apple juice in the bottom.
· Cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
· Remove, brush with glaze, and finish under broiler or on grill.

Grill

· Cook ribs indirectly over medium heat (275–300°F) for 1½–2 hours until tender.
· Brush with glaze during last 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Tips for Perfect Ribs

· Don’t skip removing the membrane—it allows seasoning to penetrate and makes ribs more tender.
· Low and slow is key for tender meat.
· Double the glaze if you like extra sauce for dipping.
· Make ahead: Ribs can be braised a day ahead, refrigerated, then glazed and finished before serving.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Serves: 4–6

Enjoy these irresistible sticky honey garlic ribs with plenty of napkins on hand—they’re finger-licking good!