Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe
Introduction:
Honey garlic ribs are a savory-sweet dish that features tender, succulent ribs coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other aromatic ingredients. This recipe combines the richness of slow-cooked pork ribs with the sweetness of honey and the depth of garlic. Whether you’re cooking them on the grill or in the oven, these ribs are sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Perfect for a family meal, BBQ gathering, or any occasion that calls for a mouth-watering dish.
Ingredients:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a healthier option)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for a bit of spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening the sauce)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) if you’re baking, or prepare your grill for indirect heat.
- Remove the silver skin (the thin membrane) from the ribs if it’s still attached. This can help the ribs cook more evenly and allow for better flavor absorption.
- Rub the ribs with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
2. Cook the Ribs:
- Oven Method:
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover them with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Halfway through cooking, you can brush the ribs with some of the honey garlic sauce (if you like a bit of caramelization).
- Grill Method:
- Place the ribs over indirect heat and close the lid. Grill for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning occasionally, until the ribs are tender.
- Brush with the honey garlic sauce during the last 20 minutes of grilling to allow the sauce to caramelize.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce starts to simmer, let it cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl and slowly add it to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
- Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Glaze the Ribs:
- Once the ribs are cooked through and tender, remove them from the oven or grill.
- Brush the honey garlic sauce generously over the ribs, ensuring they’re fully coated with the sauce.
- For a sticky glaze, you can place the ribs back in the oven or on the grill for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
5. Serve:
- Once the ribs are glazed with the honey garlic sauce, remove them from the oven or grill.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before cutting them into individual portions.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs (optional), and enjoy!
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the ribs in the honey garlic sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- If you’re grilling, make sure to use indirect heat to avoid burning the sauce and ribs.
- Feel free to adjust the honey and soy sauce ratio depending on how sweet or salty you want your glaze to be.
Benefits:
- Protein-Rich: Ribs are a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Garlic: Garlic is known for its numerous health benefits, including improving heart health, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation.
- Natural Sweetness: Honey provides a natural source of sweetness and energy, and it’s also known for its antioxidant properties.
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: ~350 kcal (depends on portion size and specific ingredients)
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g (mainly from honey)
Conclusion:
Honey garlic ribs are a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will satisfy your cravings. The tender ribs paired with a sticky, flavorful honey garlic sauce are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re grilling them outdoors or baking them in the oven, this recipe is simple yet flavorful and will make for a memorable meal. Serve them up at your next BBQ or family gathering for an unforgettable dish!
Lovers of Sweet and Savory:
If you’re a fan of dishes that balance savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, these honey garlic ribs will be your go-to recipe. The combination of honey’s natural sweetness and garlic’s savory punch makes this dish irresistible. Perfect for those who love a sticky, finger-licking good meal!
