Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe

These tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce that will have everyone licking their fingers clean. Perfect for dinner, BBQ parties, or game night!

Ingredients

2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
¼ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry, to thicken sauce)
Sesame seeds & chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs

Remove the thin silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness.
Cut into sections of 2–3 ribs for easier cooking and serving.

2. Parboil the Ribs (Optional for tenderness)

Place ribs in a large pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt.
Simmer for 20–25 minutes until partially cooked.
Drain and pat dry.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper.
Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.

4. Cook the Ribs

Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place ribs on a lined baking sheet, brush generously with sauce.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.

Grill Method:

Preheat grill to medium heat.
Grill ribs for 15–20 minutes, brushing with sauce frequently, until sticky and caramelized.

5. Finish & Serve

Transfer to a platter, drizzle extra sauce on top, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

Spicy Kick: Add 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce to the glaze.
Extra Tender: Slow-cook the ribs first for 3–4 hours before glazing and broiling/grilling.
Different Proteins: Use chicken wings or drumsticks with the same sauce!