Honey Garlic Ribs

Sticky, sweet, savory, and fall-off-the-bone tender

Honey Garlic Ribs are a crowd-pleasing favorite, combining rich garlic flavor with the natural sweetness of honey and a glossy, irresistible glaze. Slow-cooked until tender, then finished with a sticky sauce, these ribs are perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or special occasions.

This recipe works beautifully in the oven and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Ribs

1.5 kg (3–3½ lb) pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

Honey Garlic Sauce

½ cup honey
⅓ cup soy sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if needed.
Season ribs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Wrap ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking tray.

Step 2: Slow Bake

Bake covered for 2–2½ hours, until ribs are very tender.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While ribs bake, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, and ginger in a saucepan.

Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
For thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.

Step 4: Glaze & Finish

Increase oven temperature to 220°C (425°F).

Unwrap ribs and brush generously with honey garlic sauce.
Return to oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, brushing again halfway, until caramelized and sticky.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

Let ribs rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Flavor & Texture

Fall-off-the-bone tender
Sweet, garlicky glaze
Slightly savory balance from soy sauce
Sticky, caramelized finish

Tips for Best Results

Bake low and slow for tenderness
Don’t skip removing the membrane
Brush glaze generously
Watch closely during final caramelization to prevent burning

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic: add chili flakes or sriracha
Grilled Finish: finish ribs on BBQ instead of oven
Slow Cooker: cook ribs 6–7 hours on low, glaze and broil
Chicken Version: use same sauce for wings or thighs

Serving Suggestions

Serve Honey Garlic Ribs with:

Coleslaw
Roasted potatoes
Steamed rice
Corn on the cob

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
Reheat covered in oven or skillet
Sauce can be made ahead

Why This Recipe Works

Honey caramelizes beautifully
Soy sauce balances sweetness
Slow baking ensures tenderness
Simple ingredients, bold flavor

Final Thoughts

These Honey Garlic Ribs are sticky, savory, and deeply satisfying—everything you want in comfort food. Whether served for a casual dinner or a special gathering, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.