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Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe – The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Comfort Food
If you’re craving something sticky, sweet, garlicky, and fall-off-the-bone tender, this Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs recipe is exactly what you need. These ribs are coated in a rich glaze made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce, then slow-cooked until every bite melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into something unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Ribs
What makes this recipe special is the balance of flavors. The honey brings natural sweetness, the garlic adds bold aroma, and the soy sauce gives depth and umami. When everything cooks together slowly, the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and perfectly sticky. These ribs are great for family dinners, weekend cooking, or even small gatherings when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make perfect Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs at home:
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) pork ribs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to get ribs that are tender on the inside and sticky on the outside.
Step 1 – Prepare the Ribs
Start by removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if it’s still attached. This helps the ribs cook evenly and absorb more flavor. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
Step 2 – Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, olive oil, black pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Add the water and mix well. This sauce should taste sweet, garlicky, and slightly tangy.
Step 3 – Coat the Ribs
Place the ribs in a large baking dish or tray. Pour the sauce over them and use your hands or a brush to coat every side generously. Make sure the ribs are well covered.
Step 4 – Slow Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 2 hours. This slow cooking makes the meat tender and juicy.
Step 5 – Uncover and Caramelize
After 2 hours, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 220°C (430°F). Bake for another 20–25 minutes, basting the ribs every 10 minutes with the sauce from the pan. This creates that glossy, sticky finish.
Step 6 – Rest and Serve
Once the ribs are beautifully caramelized, take them out of the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy when you cut into it.
Serving Suggestions
Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs pair perfectly with simple sides. Serve them with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A fresh coleslaw or green salad adds a nice crunchy contrast to the rich ribs. For drinks, iced tea or lemonade works great to balance the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are the kind of meal that makes people go back for seconds. They’re comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Once you try them, they’ll probably become one of your favorite go-to recipes for weekends and special dinners.
Q & A
Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Yes, you can. Beef ribs work well with this sauce, but they may need a longer cooking time to become tender.
Can I make these ribs in advance?
Absolutely. You can bake them earlier, then reheat and glaze them again in the oven before serving.
Are these ribs spicy?
They’re more sweet and savory than spicy. If you like heat, just add extra chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the glaze.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.