Name: Honey Garlic Ribs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pounds pork ribs; ⅓ cup honey; ¼ cup soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a finger-licking, crowd-pleasing dish, these Honey Garlic Ribs are about to become your new favorite. They're sticky, sweet, and loaded with garlicky goodness—perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or whenever you crave something a little indulgent and comforting. Ready to wow your taste buds and impress your guests? Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe

Irresistibly tender and juicy ribs thanks to a slow oven bake.
The homemade honey garlic sauce delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Simple ingredients and easy prep make this recipe weeknight-friendly.
Versatile for grilling, baking, or even slow cooking.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping leftovers.

Honey Garlic Ribs Ingredients

2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup honey
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons water + 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

How to Make Honey Garlic Ribs

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs (see how here).
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Place ribs, meaty side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Cover tightly with foil.

Step 2: Bake the Ribs

Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours, or until ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

While ribs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
To thicken, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Whisk into sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Glaze and Broil

Remove ribs from oven and discard the top foil. Brush generously with half the honey garlic sauce.
Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) or set your broiler on high. Return ribs to the oven and broil for 5-7 minutes, watching closely, until caramelized and sticky.
Brush with more sauce before serving and sprinkle with parsley or green onions.

Notes for the Best Honey Garlic Ribs

For maximum tenderness, always remove the membrane from the ribs (learn more here).
Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Double the sauce if you love extra for dipping or drizzling!

Honey Garlic Ribs Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Ribs: Add extra chili flakes or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the glaze for more heat.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ribs: Place seasoned ribs and sauce in a slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours, then broil to finish.
Asian-Inspired Honey Garlic Ribs: Add 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an umami twist.

Required Equipment for Honey Garlic Ribs

Baking sheet with rim
Aluminum foil
Sharp knife and cutting board
Small saucepan
Basting brush
Tongs

Storing Honey Garlic Ribs

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered, until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
Ribs also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Honey Garlic Ribs

Pair with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted potatoes.
Balance the rich flavor with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli.
For drinks, try a cold craft beer or sparkling lemonade.

Honey Garlic Ribs Pro Tips

Use fresh garlic for the most aromatic sauce—don't skimp on quality!
Broil the ribs just until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes for a sticky, lacquered finish (avoid burning).
Let the ribs rest before slicing to keep them juicy (see rib cooking tips).

Honey Garlic Ribs FAQ

Can I make Honey Garlic Ribs ahead of time?: Yes! Bake the ribs and store them, then glaze and broil right before serving for best texture.
Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?: Absolutely—just increase the initial bake time by about 30 minutes since they're meatier.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?: Yes—use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check that your mustard is gluten-free.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Honey Garlic Ribs