Name: Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs pork baby back ribs; ½ cup honey; ⅓ cup soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a finger-licking, effortless meal that practically cooks itself, these Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs are calling your name. Imagine juicy, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs bathed in a sweet, garlicky, soy-based sauce—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, game days, or anytime you want to impress without the fuss. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs Recipe

Set-it-and-forget-it ease—let the slow cooker do all the work!
Irresistibly tender ribs with a sticky, flavor-packed glaze.
Short prep time, long-lasting satisfaction.
Perfect for meal prep, feeding a crowd, or fuss-free family dinners.
Kid-friendly flavors everyone in the house will adore!

Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs

3 lbs pork baby back ribs (about 2 racks)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
Sliced green onions & sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for ultimate tenderness. Cut racks into sections of 2-3 ribs each for easier crockpot placement.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Step 3: Layer and Cook

Arrange rib sections in your crockpot, bone side down. Pour the honey garlic soy sauce evenly over the ribs, ensuring all pieces are coated.

Slow cook on LOW for 6-7 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours) until the ribs are tender and juicy.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

Carefully remove the ribs and set aside. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until thickened and glossy. Brush the sauce over the ribs before serving.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

For sticky, caramelized ribs, optionally broil them on a sheet pan for 2-3 minutes per side before serving. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes for Perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs

Remove the silverskin/membrane from the ribs for maximum tenderness. (Here's how)
For extra depth, use a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of hoisin sauce in the marinade.
The sauce will be thin right out of the crockpot; thickening is optional but highly recommended for a sticky glaze.

Variations on Honey Garlic Soy Ribs

Spicy Sriracha Ribs: Add 2 tablespoons of sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
Asian BBQ Ribs: Replace ketchup with hoisin sauce and add 1 tablespoon of Chinese five spice.
Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free honey and substitute monk fruit sweetener for brown sugar.

Equipment Needed for These Honey Garlic Soy Ribs

6-quart slow cooker/crockpot
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Small saucepan (if thickening the sauce)
Baking sheet (if broiling)

Storing Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs

Refrigerator: Store cooled ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze ribs and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes or until hot.

Serving Ideas & Pairings for Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs

Serve over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
Pair with stir-fried veggies or an Asian slaw for a fresh crunch.
Perfect alongside garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a comfort food twist.

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Soy Ribs

Broil ribs for a few minutes after slow cooking for extra caramelization.
Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to keep juices locked in.
Use fresh ginger and garlic for unbeatable flavor—learn more here.

FAQ: Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs Made Easy

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork ribs?: Yes! Cooking times may increase by 1-2 hours depending on rib thickness.
Is there a way to make these ribs in the oven if I don't have a crockpot?: Absolutely. Bake covered at 300°F for 2.5-3 hours, then broil to finish.
How do I know when my ribs are done?: The meat will be ultra-tender and pull away from the bone easily—an internal temp of 190-203°F is perfect.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 4-6 hungry eaters

Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Ribs