Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs – Sweet, Savory, and Irresistibly Tender
There’s nothing quite like a plate of Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs — tender, juicy pork ribs coated in a perfectly balanced glaze of honey, soy, and garlic. Whether slow-baked in the oven or pressure-cooked in your Instant Pot, these ribs are a guaranteed crowd favorite. The flavor is bold yet comforting, with that glossy caramelized finish that keeps you reaching for “just one more.”
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor.
- Two cooking methods — oven-baked or Instant Pot.
- Sticky, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to every rib.
- Impresses guests but simple enough for weeknights.
- Pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Ribs
Option A – Oven (Most Common):
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and cover tightly with another sheet of foil. Bake for 2–2½ hours until tender.
Option B – Instant Pot (Faster):
Add 1 cup of water and a rack to your Instant Pot. Place the ribs on the rack, seal the lid, and cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before opening.
3. Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger (if using). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and turns glossy. Stir in sesame oil at the end, if desired.
4. Glaze and Finish
Once ribs are tender, brush them generously with the honey garlic glaze. Broil for 3–5 minutes or grill over medium-high heat until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized. Brush again with extra sauce for that perfect glossy finish.
5. Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm ribs in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, brushing with a bit of sauce to restore shine and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time — beef ribs may take slightly longer to become tender.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook and glaze them, then refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
You can, but the homemade honey garlic glaze is what makes this dish truly shine!
Conclusion
These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are the perfect combination of tender meat and irresistible flavor. Whether you bake or pressure-cook them, the result is the same — juicy ribs coated in a golden, sticky glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Serve them for dinner, parties, or even a weekend barbecue, and watch them disappear fast!
Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 2 hrs | Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Yield: 4 servings | Course: Main Dish | Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork ribs
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Season ribs with salt and pepper.
- Bake covered for 2–2½ hours or cook in Instant Pot for 25 minutes with 10-minute natural release.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Brush ribs with glaze and broil or grill until sticky and caramelized.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the honey garlic sauce overnight before cooking!