These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are the epitome of finger-licking goodness. Slow-cooked to perfection and coated with a sweet and savory glaze, these ribs offer a tantalizing combination of honey’s natural sweetness and the savory richness of garlic and soy sauce. The result is tender, juicy ribs with a sticky, irresistible glaze. Ideal for a weekend barbecue or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Ingredients:
- For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh garlic, minced (about 6 cloves)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the silver skin from the ribs by sliding a knife under the membrane on the back and pulling it off.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder (if using).
- Cook the Ribs:
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover them with aluminum foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
- If you prefer, you can also slow-cook the ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours, then finish them on the grill for a crispy exterior.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the sauce slightly thickens.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, and whisk it into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional minute until thickened.
- Glaze the Ribs:
- Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven (or slow cooker). Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the ribs for about 5-7 minutes on each side to get a nice char. Brush generously with the honey garlic sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Serve:
- Once the ribs are beautifully caramelized and sticky, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra honey garlic sauce on the side and enjoy the delicious, sticky goodness!
Tips:
- For added flavor, marinate the ribs in the honey garlic sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- If you’re short on time, you can finish cooking the ribs under the broiler instead of grilling them for that perfect sticky glaze.
- For a smoky flavor, try using a smoker or a grill with wood chips.