Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs

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🍖 Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs

Servings: 3–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours

📝 Ingredients

For the Ribs

  • 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional for thickness & color)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs

  • Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  • Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Optional: Remove the thin membrane from the back for extra tenderness.

2. Bake the ribs until tender

  • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • Place ribs on a baking tray lined with foil.
  • Cover tightly with foil to trap moisture.
  • Bake for 1.5–2 hours or until ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone.

You can also simmer them for 1 hour in water first, then bake with sauce for extra tenderness (optional method).

3. Make the sticky honey garlic sauce

While ribs bake, combine in a saucepan:

  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Garlic
  • Ketchup (if using)
  • Vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Black pepper
  • Chili flakes

Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Glaze the ribs

  • Remove ribs from the oven.
  • Brush generously with the honey garlic sauce.
  • Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place ribs back in the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes to caramelize.

For extra stickiness: Brush on more sauce halfway through.

5. Serve

  • Brush with leftover warm sauce.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy the sticky deliciousness!

🍽️ Description

These ribs are sweet, sticky, garlicky, and beautifully caramelized. Slow-baking makes them tender while the honey garlic glaze creates a rich, glossy finish that clings perfectly to each piece.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Low and slow = the most tender ribs.
  • Want extra smoky flavor? Add ½ tsp smoked paprika.
  • For crispier ribs, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
  • Double the sauce if you love dipping!

🔥 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 450–500
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 25g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Sugar: 18g

(Varies by cut of ribs and sauce thickness.)

🌟 Conclusion

These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are the perfect balance of tender meat, sweet honey, and savory garlic. They’re simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

⭐ Recommendation

Serve with:

  • Steamed rice
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Cornbread
  • Fresh cucumber salad

💚 Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Use reduced-sodium soy sauce, substitute honey for sugar entirely, and pair with vegetables or a salad to make this indulgent dish more balanced without losing any delicious flavor.

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