Honey Garlic Ribs

by Nina Johnson June 6, 2025, 2:26 pm

Sticky, sweet, and deeply savory, these Honey Garlic Ribs are everything you crave in a finger-licking dinner. Glazed with a rich, garlicky sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, each bite bursts with flavor and melts effortlessly off the bone. Whether you’re hosting a game night or treating yourself to a cozy weekend meal, these ribs deliver big on taste and satisfaction.

The balance of honey and garlic in this recipe makes it universally irresistible. The honey lends a subtle sweetness that contrasts the umami depth of soy sauce, while fresh garlic and ginger add aromatic heat. When finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions, they not only taste incredible but also look like a showstopper straight off a restaurant menu.

What Kind of Ribs Should I Use for Honey Garlic Ribs?

For this recipe, pork baby back ribs are ideal because they’re tender and have just the right amount of meat-to-fat ratio. They cook evenly and are perfect for baking or grilling. You can also use spare ribs, which are meatier and slightly tougher but become equally delicious when baked low and slow.

Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Ribs

Pork Baby Back Ribs – These are the star of the show. Tender and juicy, they cook beautifully with a sweet glaze.

Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze that caramelizes in the oven.

Soy Sauce – Brings a salty, umami depth that balances the honey.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with bold flavor.

Ginger – Optional, but a small amount of fresh grated ginger adds complexity and brightness.

Rice Vinegar – Adds a slight tang that sharpens the sweet-savory glaze.

Sesame Oil – A touch of toasted sesame oil adds nuttiness and depth.

Cornstarch – Helps thicken the glaze so it clings to the ribs.

Green Onions – Chopped and sprinkled on top for color and mild oniony bite.

Sesame Seeds – For garnish and texture, they make the presentation pop.

How To Make the Honey Garlic Ribs

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

Start by removing the thin membrane on the back of the ribs for a more tender bite. Rinse and pat them dry, then cut into individual rib pieces or leave whole, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Season and Bake

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the ribs on a baking tray lined with foil. Season with salt and pepper, then cover tightly with another sheet of foil. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until fork-tender.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the ribs bake, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.

Step 4: Glaze and Broil

Once the ribs are baked and tender, remove the top foil and generously brush them with the honey garlic sauce. Increase oven heat to 425°F (220°C) or set to broil. Return ribs to the oven uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the glaze caramelizes and slightly chars.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, brush with any extra glaze, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy every sticky bite.

How to Serve and Store These Honey Garlic Ribs

Serve these ribs hot from the oven, right after that final broil when the glaze is bubbling and caramelized. They’re perfect alongside steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad to cut through the richness. For a party platter, slice into individual ribs and stack them high with plenty of napkins nearby.

To store leftovers, let the ribs cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until warmed through—about 15-20 minutes. You can also freeze the ribs for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the ribs from drying out?

Baking them covered in foil at a low temperature helps retain moisture. Finishing with a glaze locks in flavor without drying.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them up to a day in advance. Just store them chilled and glaze + broil right before serving.

Do I need to boil ribs before baking?

No boiling needed. Slow baking achieves the same tenderness without removing flavor.

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?

Absolutely. Just be aware beef ribs are larger and may need extra cooking time.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are great substitutes, though slightly more acidic.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce for heat.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Sticky Glaze?

If you love these honey garlic ribs, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta for a pasta with a saucy kick.
One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta for a dish with similar sweet-savory vibes.
Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet when you’re in the mood for smoky heat.
One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta for a bold weeknight dinner.
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein if you’re craving something more noodle-forward.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding extra garlic or a splash of sriracha? Did you serve it with noodles or keep it classic with rice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better every day.