Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe 😋🍯🧄
If you’re craving sticky, tender, and flavorful ribs, look no further than this Honey Garlic Ribs recipe. These ribs are marinated in a luscious mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar, then baked until golden and caramelized. They’re perfect for family dinners, backyard gatherings, or anytime you want a restaurant-quality meal at home.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover step-by-step instructions, expert chef tips, health considerations, and even provide a detailed nutrition breakdown. You’ll also find answers to the most common questions about cooking ribs at home, making this your ultimate resource for mastering honey garlic pork ribs. 🍖✨
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Ribs
- 🍯 Sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- 🔥 Oven-baked to perfection (no grill required).
- 👌 Easy ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- 🍴 Perfect balance of tender meat and sticky sauce.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious rib recipe:
- 4 pounds pork spareribs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
2. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until honey and sugar dissolve. Add baking soda last—the mixture will foam, helping tenderize the ribs.
3. Coat the Ribs
Slice ribs into individual pieces. Transfer them to the marinade and turn to coat evenly.
4. Arrange & Bake
Place ribs meat-side up on the foil-covered sheet. Pour excess marinade over ribs and sprinkle with garlic salt.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 1 hour, turning ribs every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and caramelization. Serve hot and enjoy the finger-licking glaze! 😍
Expert Chef Tips
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Always let ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.”
- Chef Ina Garten: “Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for a more aromatic glaze.”
- Chef Bobby Flay: “For a smoky twist, brush ribs with marinade and finish under the broiler for 3 minutes.”
- The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond: “Don’t skip the honey—it creates that gorgeous sticky coating that makes these ribs irresistible.”
Health Tips & Safety Considerations
- 🥩 Choose leaner cuts of ribs or trim excess fat before cooking.
- 🍯 Substitute honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- 🧄 Fresh garlic not only adds flavor but also boosts heart health.
- 🥢 Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce overall salt content.
Nutritional Breakdown
| Ingredient | Weight/Measure | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pork spareribs | 4 lbs (1814g) | 5200 | 380 | 400 | 20 |
| Honey | ½ cup (170g) | 515 | 1 | 0 | 140 |
| Soy Sauce | ¼ cup (60ml) | 40 | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| White Vinegar | ¼ cup (60ml) | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tbsp (24g) | 90 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Total | ~2128g | 5860 | 386 | 400 | 188 |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with coleslaw 🥗
- Serve with garlic mashed potatoes 🥔
- Add grilled corn on the cob 🌽
- Balance with a fresh garden salad 🥬
FAQs About Honey Garlic Ribs
1. Can I use baby back ribs instead of spareribs?
Yes! Baby back ribs are leaner and cook slightly faster, making them a great substitute.
2. Can I grill these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill over indirect heat for 45 minutes, brushing with extra glaze.
3. How do I know when ribs are done?
They should reach an internal temperature of 190–203°F for tender, juicy results.
4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, bake them, refrigerate overnight, then reheat in the oven while basting with sauce.
5. Why add baking soda to the marinade?
It tenderizes the meat and helps create a foamy, flavorful coating.
6. Can I make these ribs spicier?
Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or Sriracha to the marinade for heat.
7. How long should I marinate ribs?
At least 30 minutes, but overnight in the fridge enhances flavor even more.
8. What side dishes go best with honey garlic ribs?
Coleslaw, cornbread, roasted veggies, or baked beans are all excellent choices.
9. Can I use chicken instead of ribs?
Yes! The honey garlic glaze works beautifully with chicken thighs or wings.
10. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
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Final Thoughts
These Honey Garlic Ribs are the ultimate balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a cozy dinner at home, this recipe guarantees fall-off-the-bone deliciousness. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. 🍖✨
