Honey Garlic Ribs are sweet, sticky, and incredibly flavorful. Tender pork ribs are coated in a rich sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, then baked until perfectly caramelized. The result is juicy ribs with a glossy glaze that’s packed with bold flavor. These ribs are perfect for family dinners, weekend treats, or gatherings when you want a dish that everyone will love.
Prep Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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Servings: 4–6 servings
Kitchen Equipment
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Baking sheet or roasting pan
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Aluminum foil
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Mixing bowl
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Saucepan
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Basting brush
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Tongs
Ingredients
For the Ribs
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2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
Honey Garlic Sauce
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½ cup honey
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¼ cup soy sauce
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Optional Garnish
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Sesame seeds
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Chopped green onions
Ingredient Notes
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Baby back ribs cook faster and are more tender.
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Honey gives the ribs their sweet sticky glaze.
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Soy sauce balances sweetness with savory flavor.
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Garlic and ginger add bold aromatic taste.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and cover with foil.
2. Bake the Ribs
Bake the ribs for 1 hour until they become tender.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat combine:
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Garlic
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Brown sugar
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Ketchup
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Vinegar
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Ginger
Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Glaze the Ribs
Remove the foil from the ribs and brush generously with the honey garlic sauce.
Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for another 15–20 minutes, brushing with more sauce halfway through.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the ribs are caramelized and sticky, remove from the oven.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 24g
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Sugar: 22g
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Ribs
✔ Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for more tender meat.
✔ Slow baking helps make the ribs extra juicy and tender.
✔ Brush the sauce multiple times for a thicker glaze.
✔ Broil for the last 3–5 minutes to create a slightly crispy caramelized top.
Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Ribs
Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Ribs
Cook ribs in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, brushing with sauce.
Asian-Style Ribs
Add hoisin sauce and sesame oil to the glaze.
Grilled Honey Garlic Ribs
Finish the ribs on the grill for a smoky flavor.