Honey Garlic Ribs: Sticky, Sweet, and Irresistible

Instructions for Honey Garlic Ribs

1. Prepare the Ribs:
   • Start by prepping your baby back ribs. If there’s a membrane on the back of the ribs, remove it by gently sliding a knife under it and pulling it off. This step ensures the ribs are tender and allows the sauce to absorb better.
   • Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. You can also rub in any additional spices or dry rubs if desired, but the honey garlic sauce will provide plenty of flavor.
2. Sear the Ribs:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ribs and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. This step locks in the flavors and gives the ribs a beautiful color. If your skillet is not large enough, you may need to do this in batches.
   • Once the ribs are seared, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and sesame oil (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
   • Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken slightly and become more concentrated. If it’s too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Bake the Ribs:
   • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven is heating, place a rack in a large baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the seared ribs on the rack, bone-side down, to allow for even cooking.
   • Brush the ribs generously with the honey garlic sauce, making sure to coat every inch of the meat.
   • Cover the ribs with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The slow cooking time ensures the ribs become tender and juicy.
5. Glaze the Ribs:
   • After the ribs have baked for 2.5-3 hours, remove the foil and brush on another layer of the honey garlic sauce. This will help the sauce caramelize and become sticky as it bakes.
   • Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and form a glossy, sticky glaze on the ribs. You can even broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end to get an extra caramelized finish (but keep an eye on them to avoid burning).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the ribs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into individual ribs. Brush on any leftover honey garlic sauce for extra flavor.
   • Serve the ribs with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad, and enjoy the sticky, sweet goodness!

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Ribs

• Slow and Low: Cooking the ribs at a low temperature for a long period of time is the key to tender, juicy ribs. The slow roasting allows the meat to become incredibly tender, while the glaze caramelizes perfectly.
• Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, using freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a much more robust and aromatic flavor. The garlic also infuses into the sauce, making each bite more flavorful.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your ribs a bit sweeter, you can add a touch more honey to the sauce. On the other hand, if you like a bit of savory balance, add an extra splash of soy sauce or vinegar.
• Grill Finish: If you prefer grilling, you can cook the ribs on the grill after they’ve baked in the oven. Brush the ribs with the honey garlic sauce and grill them over medium heat for a few minutes to add some smoky flavor and crispy edges.
• Make Extra Sauce: If you love the honey garlic sauce, double the recipe and keep extra on the side for dipping. It’s perfect for drizzling over vegetables or even chicken!

Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Ribs

There’s no doubt that Honey Garlic Ribs will quickly become a family favorite. The sweet, sticky glaze is the perfect complement to the tender, juicy ribs, making each bite irresistible. The balance of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and mustard creates a rich and savory flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, these ribs are guaranteed to impress. The slow-cooked tenderness, combined with the caramelized glaze, makes for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat. Plus, the sauce is so good that you’ll be licking your fingers long after the meal is over.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Ribs are a delightful combination of sticky sweetness and savory goodness that will have everyone at the table asking for more. The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat paired with the rich, flavorful glaze makes for a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a weekend BBQ or preparing a special family dinner, these ribs will be the star of the meal.

Get ready to enjoy some seriously irresistible ribs with this delicious recipe!