Few dishes manage to be cozy, irresistible, and impressively flavorful all at once — but Honey Garlic Ribs hit all of those notes effortlessly. These ribs are coated in a glossy, sticky honey-garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, delivering tender meat that practically slides off the bone. Sweet. Savory. Garlicky. Addictive. This recipe is the kind of dinner that makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort and flavor.

Honey garlic ribs are a staple in many cultures, but their modern version — a fusion of Asian-inspired flavor and slow-baked American rib technique — sits firmly among the best rib styles you can make at home. No grilling needed. No smoker. Just your oven, a baking sheet, and patience while the ribs transform into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly while delivering restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy night in, these sticky ribs are guaranteed to impress.

⭐ Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Ribs

• Fall-apart tender – Slow baking ensures the meat becomes extremely soft.
• Sticky caramelized glaze – A perfect combination of honey, soy, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
• Minimal equipment needed – No grill, no smoker — everything happens in the oven.
• Budget-friendly – Spare ribs or baby back ribs both work.
• Perfect for dinner – Serve with rice, noodles, roasted veggies, or even mashed potatoes.
• Crowd-pleaser – Works as a main dish or party platter.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ribs

• 3–4 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Sesame seeds + green onions (for garnish)

🔥 How to Make Honey Garlic Ribs (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the ribs

Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back if still attached — this makes the ribs more tender. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Slow-bake the ribs

Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover tightly with another sheet of foil. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5 hours, or until very soft.

3. Make the honey garlic glaze

While ribs bake, mix honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Add cornstarch slurry only if you want the glaze thicker.

4. Brush & caramelize

After ribs have softened, remove the foil and brush generously with the glaze.
Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake 12–15 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky, glossy, and caramelized.

5. Serve & enjoy

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.

Honey Garlic Ribs

Tender oven-baked ribs glazed in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ribs

• 3-4 lbs pork ribs
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Honey Garlic Glaze

• 0.33 cup honey
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp ginger grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch optional

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Saucepan
• Brush

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Remove the membrane from the ribs and pat them dry.
3. Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Wrap ribs tightly in foil and bake for 2.5 hours.
5. In a saucepan, simmer honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil for 5–7 minutes.
6. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
7. Brush ribs with honey garlic glaze and bake 12–15 minutes until caramelized.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These ribs shine as a centerpiece, but pair beautifully with:

• Steamed rice or coconut rice
• Garlic butter mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Stir-fried noodles
• Asian cucumber salad
• Crispy fries (if you want fusion comfort food)

If you’re making a full dinner spread, add a fresh salad to balance the richness.

🔀 Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Ribs: Add 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze.
• Extra Sticky: Reduce the glaze longer until syrupy.
• Grilled Finish: After baking, throw the ribs on a grill for 3–5 minutes to char the edges.
• Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange juice or zest.

💡 Tips for Perfect Ribs

• Bake low and slow — it guarantees tenderness.
• Always cover with foil during the first bake to trap moisture.
• Broil or high-heat at the end for caramelization.
• Taste your glaze before brushing — adjust sweetness, saltiness, or garlic based on preference.

Ingredients (List Format)

• 3–4 lbs pork ribs
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
• Sesame seeds
• Green onions

Instructions (Numbered)

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs; pat dry.
3. Season ribs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Wrap ribs tightly in foil on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 2.5 hours until tender.
6. Meanwhile, make glaze by simmering honey, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil for 5–7 minutes.
7. Remove ribs, increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
8. Brush ribs generously with glaze.
9. Bake 12–15 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
10. Garnish and serve.