These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze that caramelizes beautifully. They’re perfect for a cozy family dinner, game day, or a gathering with friends.
You can bake them low and slow in the oven, then finish under the broiler or on the grill for that sticky, glossy finish everyone loves.
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Yield: about 4 servings
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 2½–3 hours
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Total time: about 3 hours
Ingredients
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2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
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¼ cup honey
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¼ cup soy sauce
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3 tablespoons brown sugar
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3 tablespoons minced garlic
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Optional garnish
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Sesame seeds
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Sliced green onion
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs
Prepare the Ribs
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Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
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Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
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Wrap the ribs tightly in foil (you can cut the rack into smaller sections if needed) and place them on a baking sheet.
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Bake for about 2½ to 3 hours, or until the ribs are very tender and the meat is starting to pull away from the bones.
Alternative prep option:
If you prefer, you can simmer or boil the ribs in a large pot of water for about 1 hour until tender, then drain well before glazing.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
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While the ribs are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
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Stir in the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil (if using).
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Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water), stir well, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
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Remove from heat and set aside. The sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools.
Glaze and Caramelize the Ribs
Once the ribs are tender:
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Carefully unwrap the ribs and discard any excess liquid.
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Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your grill to medium-high.
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Place the ribs on a clean, foil-lined baking sheet or grill-safe tray, bone side down.
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Brush a generous layer of the honey garlic sauce all over the ribs.
To finish in the oven
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–15 minutes, brushing with more sauce halfway through, until the glaze is sticky, bubbling, and slightly caramelized around the edges.
To finish under the broiler
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Place the sauced ribs under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely, until the glaze darkens slightly and turns sticky.
To finish on the grill
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Place the ribs on the grill, meat side up, and cook for a few minutes per side, brushing with extra sauce, until lightly charred and shiny.
Serve
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Let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then slice between the bones into individual ribs or small sections.
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Drizzle with any remaining warm sauce.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion if desired.
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Serve hot with your favorite sides: rice, coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or grilled veggies.
Tips for the Best Sticky Ribs
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For extra flavor, you can season the ribs with a dry rub (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder) before baking.
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If your sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash of water or stock while warming.
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If you boiled the ribs first, make sure they are dry before glazing so the sauce sticks better.
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These ribs reheat well in the oven, wrapped loosely in foil, at 300°F until warmed through.
Description
These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are:
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Tender and juicy from slow cooking
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Packed with sweet, salty, garlicky flavor
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Finished with a shiny, caramelized glaze that clings to every bite
They’re the kind of ribs that leave you licking your fingers and reaching for just one more piece.
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