Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe – Sweet, Savory, and Finger-Licking Good
Few dishes command attention at the dinner table quite like Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs. Glazed in a rich, sweet, and garlicky sauce, these tender pork ribs are a crowd-pleasing favorite whether you’re firing up the grill, using the oven, or slow-cooking for convenience.
With just a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality rib dish that melts in your mouth and sticks to your fingers—in the best way possible. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout, family dinner, or game day feast, this honey garlic ribs recipe is guaranteed to impress.
🧾 Ingredients for Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this irresistible dish:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pork ribs | 2 lbs (baby back or spare ribs) |
| Honey | ¼ cup |
| Soy sauce | ¼ cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar (or ACV) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (grated, optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening) |
| Water | 2 tablespoons (for cornstarch slurry) |
| Sesame seeds | For garnish (optional) |
| Chopped scallions | For garnish (optional) |
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ribs
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness.
- Rinse the ribs and pat them dry.
- Slice into individual ribs or leave whole (optional).
- Lightly season with salt and pepper or your favorite dry rub.
🧂 Pre-seasoning enhances flavor before the glaze even hits.
2. Cook the Ribs Until Tender
You have a few cooking options, depending on time and preference:
Oven Method (Recommended)
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
Slow Cooker Method
- Place ribs in the slow cooker.
- Pour half the sauce over ribs (reserve the rest for glazing).
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Boil First for Faster Oven Time
- Simmer ribs in a large pot of water for 30–40 minutes.
- Drain and transfer to a baking dish.
- Continue with glazing and baking at 400°F for 20–30 minutes.
🔥 The goal is to make the ribs fork-tender before applying the glaze.
3. Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
💡 For extra-thick glaze, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer until glossy and thick.
4. Glaze and Finish the Ribs
Once the ribs are cooked and tender:
- Brush the honey garlic glaze generously over the ribs.
- Broil on high or bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–15 minutes, basting with more glaze halfway through.
- Keep an eye on them — the sugars can caramelize quickly and burn.
🍯 The high heat helps the glaze become sticky, caramelized, and irresistibly good.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with:
- Steamed white rice
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Asian slaw or cucumber salad
- Roasted vegetables
Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that final gourmet touch.
🥢 These ribs pair perfectly with an ice-cold beer or sparkling lemonade.
🥡 Storing & Reheating
To Store:
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes covered in foil.
- Or microwave in 30-second bursts, covered with a damp paper towel.
To Freeze:
- Freeze ribs (glazed or unglazed) for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Ribs Every Time
- Use parchment or foil to reduce mess when baking or broiling.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before brushing — it thickens as it cools.
- Add a splash of Sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy twist.
- Don’t skip the broiling step — that’s where the sticky magic happens.
🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 25g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutritional values will vary based on rib cuts and ingredient brands.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a few ingredients – pantry staples, nothing fancy!
- Easy to prepare – no grill or smoker needed.
- Customizable – sweet, savory, spicy — make it your own.
- Perfect for any occasion – dinner, BBQ, party appetizer.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Rib Recipe
These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are everything you want in a homemade dish — sweet, savory, tender, and unapologetically sticky. Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers flavor that’s hard to forget and impossible to resist.
Get ready to be asked for the recipe every time you serve these. They’re that good.