Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe

Here’s a mouthwatering, finger-lickin’ good recipe for Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs — sweet, savory, garlicky, and fall-off-the-bone tender. Perfect for a weekend dinner or party platter, and surprisingly easy to make in the oven, slow cooker, or even on the grill.

🍯🧄🥩 Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

For the Ribs:

2–3 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs work best)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (optional)
1 tbsp oil (for searing or brushing)

For the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce:

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic!)
1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional but delicious)
1/2 tsp chili flakes or sriracha (optional for heat)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

🔪 Instructions

🔥 Oven Method (Most Popular):

1. Prep the ribs:

Remove the silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs for tenderness.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Let sit for 15–30 minutes at room temp.

2. Bake low & slow:

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Wrap ribs in foil and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.

3. Make the sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.

4. Glaze & broil:

Remove ribs from oven and discard foil.
Brush ribs generously with the sticky sauce.
Broil on high for 2–4 minutes, watching carefully, until caramelized and bubbly.
Flip, glaze again, and broil the other side if desired.

🐢 Slow Cooker Method:

Season ribs and place in the slow cooker.
Pour HALF of the sauce over the ribs.
Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Remove ribs, place on baking sheet, brush with remaining sauce, and broil 2–3 minutes to caramelize.

🔥 Grill Finish (Optional):

After baking or slow cooking, throw the ribs on a hot grill for 5–7 minutes, brushing with glaze and flipping once for charred perfection.

🥢 Serve With:

Steamed rice or garlic mashed potatoes
Grilled or stir-fried veggies
Pickled cucumber or slaw to cut the richness
Lots of napkins 😄

📝 Tips:

Want extra sticky ribs? Simmer the sauce a bit longer before glazing.
Make ahead: Bake or slow-cook the ribs earlier in the day, then glaze and broil when ready to serve.
You can double the sauce and save some for dipping!

Would you like a printable recipe card, a spicy Korean twist, or a boneless version with country-style ribs or chicken?