Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe: A Perfectly Glazed Delight

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:

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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