Here’s a finger-licking Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs recipe—sweet, garlicky, and fall-off-the-bone tender 🍯🧄🍖
Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs
Ingredients
- 2–3 lb pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Instructions
1. Prep ribs
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove membrane from back of ribs.
- Season ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Bake low & slow
- Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake 2½–3 hours until very tender.
3. Make sauce
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thick and glossy.
4. Glaze & caramelize
- Increase oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush ribs generously with sauce.
- Bake uncovered 10–15 minutes, brushing once more.
- Broil 2–3 minutes for extra stickiness (watch closely).
5. Serve
- Slice ribs and drizzle with extra sauce.
Tips for Best Sticky Ribs
- Low heat first = tender meat
- Don’t rush the caramelization
- Use foil to lock in moisture
- Sauce thickens more as it cools
Variations
- Spicy honey garlic: Add chili flakes or sriracha
- Grill finish: Finish ribs on grill instead of oven
- Slow cooker: Cook ribs low 7–8 hrs, broil to finish
- Asian twist: Add ginger and hoisin sauce
Serve with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or garlic flatbread.
Want an air fryer or Instant Pot version next?
