Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe

Hey everyone, Lisa here! As a busy mom and food blogger, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are easy to make but still deliver big flavors. And let me tell you, these honey garlic ribs are a total game-changer! Juicy, tender ribs slathered in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce – they’re guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; these ribs are all about simple ingredients and maximum flavor. They are finger-licking good!

Growing up in an Italian-American household, food was always at the center of our lives. Sunday dinners were a symphony of aromas, with simmering sauces and bubbling dishes filling the air. Now, as a mom myself, I want to recreate that same sense of warmth and togetherness around the dinner table, but without spending all day in the kitchen. These honey garlic ribs are the perfect solution – they’re easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for a weekend celebration.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Honey Garlic Ribs

Okay, let’s get real. There are a million rib recipes out there, so why should you try this one? Here’s the deal: these honey garlic ribs are:

• Incredibly Flavorful: The honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
• Tender and Juicy: We’re talking fall-off-the-bone tender. The secret is in the low and slow cooking method, which ensures the ribs are perfectly cooked and incredibly juicy.
• Easy to Make: Seriously, this recipe is so easy, even beginner cooks can nail it. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these ribs. They’re the perfect meal for a family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or any special occasion. My daughter, Sophia, always asks for seconds (and sometimes thirds!).
• Versatile: You can cook these ribs in the oven, on the grill, or in a slow cooker – whichever method works best for you.

Trust me, once you try these honey garlic ribs, you’ll be hooked! They’re the perfect combination of flavor, tenderness, and simplicity, making them a winner in my book (and hopefully yours too!).

Honey Garlic Ribs: Key Ingredients for Success

Let’s break down the ingredients for these amazing honey garlic ribs. Don’t worry, you probably already have most of them in your pantry!

• Ribs: I prefer using baby back ribs for this recipe because they’re tender and meaty. But you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Honey: This is what gives the sauce its signature sweetness. I recommend using a good-quality honey for the best flavor.
• Garlic: The more garlic, the better! I use about 6 cloves of garlic in this recipe, but feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover like me.
• Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, savory umami flavor to the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
• Ketchup: This adds a touch of tanginess and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: This adds a subtle acidity that balances out the sweetness of the honey and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the sauce. A little goes a long way!
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the sauce.
• Spices: A combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

These ingredients all work together to create a sauce that is truly irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the amounts to find your perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy!

How to Make Honey Garlic Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these amazing honey garlic ribs, step by step:

1. Prepare the Ribs: Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from being tough. To remove the membrane, flip the ribs over so the bone side is up. Use a knife to loosen the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This sauce is the star of the show, so make sure it’s well-mixed and flavorful.
3. Marinate the Ribs: Place the ribs in a large resealable bag or a baking dish and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Make sure the ribs are completely coated in the sauce. Marinate the ribs in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be.
4. Cook the Ribs: You can cook the ribs in the oven, on the grill, or in a slow cooker. Here’s how to cook them using each method:
   • Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is easily pulled away from the bone.
   • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 1-2 hours, turning them occasionally and basting them with the honey garlic sauce.
   • Slow Cooker: Place the ribs in a slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat is easily pulled away from the bone.
5. Broil or Grill (Optional): For extra-sticky, caramelized ribs, broil them in the oven or grill them for a few minutes after they’re cooked. Baste them with the honey garlic sauce and watch them carefully to prevent them from burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting them into individual portions. Serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy!

That’s it! With these simple steps, you can make delicious, fall-off-the-bone honey garlic ribs that everyone will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the cooking method and the sauce to find your perfect combination.

Honey Garlic Ribs: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

Want to take your honey garlic ribs to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you achieve perfect results every time:

• Don’t Skip the Marinating: Marinating the ribs is crucial for infusing them with flavor and tenderizing the meat. The longer you marinate them, the better they’ll be.
• Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking the ribs at a low temperature for a long time is the key to tender, juicy ribs. Don’t rush the process!
• Baste, Baste, Baste: Basting the ribs with the honey garlic sauce throughout the cooking process will keep them moist and flavorful.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the ribs are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
• Let Them Rest: Letting the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting them will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful ribs.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients in the honey garlic sauce to find your perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
• Use a Foil Boat for Extra Tenderness: If you’re cooking the ribs in the oven, try placing them in a foil boat. This will help to trap moisture and keep the ribs extra tender.
• Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make honey garlic ribs that are so good, they’ll disappear in minutes!

Honey Garlic Ribs: Storage Options to Keep the Flavor Alive

So, you’ve made a batch of these amazing honey garlic ribs, but you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them to keep the flavor alive:

• Refrigerate: Place the cooked ribs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the ribs individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat the ribs, you can use the oven, microwave, or grill.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through.
  • Microwave: Place the ribs on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them for 1-2 minutes, or until they’re heated through.
  • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they’re heated through.

No matter how you store and reheat them, these honey garlic ribs will still be delicious and satisfying. They’re the perfect meal to have on hand for a quick and easy dinner.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Ribs: Perfect Pairings

These honey garlic ribs are so flavorful and satisfying on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Coleslaw: The creamy, crunchy coleslaw is the perfect complement to the rich, savory ribs.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side that pairs perfectly with ribs.
• Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is another classic BBQ side that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and a great side for ribs.
• Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a delicious and hearty side that goes well with ribs.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers are a healthy and flavorful side that balances out the richness of the ribs.
• Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect way to soak up all that delicious honey garlic sauce.

These are just a few ideas, of course. Feel free to get creative and pair your honey garlic ribs with your favorite sides. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Ribs

Got questions about making honey garlic ribs? I’ve got answers!

• Can I make these ribs ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the ribs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also cook the ribs ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve them.
• Can I use frozen ribs? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating them.
• How do I know when the ribs are done? The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulled away from the bone. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
• Can I grill these ribs instead of baking them? Yes, you can grill the ribs over medium heat, turning them occasionally and basting them with the honey garlic sauce.
• What if I don’t have rice vinegar? You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh ginger? Yes, but use about half the amount of dried ginger as you would fresh ginger.

I hope these FAQs have answered all of your questions about making honey garlic ribs. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

Print

Related Articles

• Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf