Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs
These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. Here’s my favorite approach:
Ingredients
· 2 lbs (900g) pork baby back ribs
· 1/2 cup honey
· 8 garlic cloves, minced
· 1/4 cup soy sauce
· 2 tbsp rice vinegar
· 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
· 1 tbsp sesame oil
· 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
· 2 tbsp brown sugar
· Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Pat ribs dry and remove membrane from bone side. Cut into individual ribs or 2-3 rib sections.
- Simmer: Place ribs in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until tender.
- Make the sauce: While ribs simmer, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Glaze and bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain ribs and place on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush generously with sauce. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, brush with more sauce, and bake another 10 minutes until caramelized.
- Broil (optional): For extra stickiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with remaining sauce for dipping.
Tips
· For grill method: Parboil ribs, then grill over medium heat, basting frequently
· Let ribs rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier results
· Adjust honey/soy ratio to your preferred sweet-salty balance
These ribs are perfect with steamed rice and a simple cucumber salad to cut through the richness. The prep is straightforward, but the results taste like you spent all day in the kitchen!