Finger-Licking Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe

These succulent Honey Garlic Ribs will have you savoring every sticky, sweet, and savory bite. Perfect for a family barbecue or a weekend indulgence, this recipe guarantees tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a delicious honey garlic glaze. Get ready to get messy!

Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ribs:

1. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. To do this, use a knife to loosen one edge of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off. This step ensures your ribs will be tender and easy to eat.
2. Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Season and Marinate:

1. Season both sides of the ribs with salt and pepper. Rub it in to ensure even coverage.
2. Place the ribs in a large, resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create the honey garlic glaze.
4. Pour half of the glaze over the ribs, reserving the other half for later. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. Marinating longer allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Grill the Ribs:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C).
2. Remove the ribs from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
3. Brush the ribs with olive oil to prevent sticking to the grill grates.
4. Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 20-30 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature should reach 180°F (82°C).

4. Glaze the Ribs:

1. During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the reserved honey garlic glaze onto the ribs. Continue to cook, turning and basting every few minutes, until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized.

5. Rest and Serve:

1. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting.
2. Slice the ribs between the bones, then serve with the remaining glaze for dipping.

6. Enjoy:

1. Dig in and savor the sweet, sticky, and savory goodness of your homemade honey garlic ribs. Don’t forget the napkins!

Tips:

• If you prefer, you can also cook these ribs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C), place the marinated ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, and roast for 2-2.5 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. You can omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
• For extra tenderness, you can wrap the ribs in foil after the initial grilling and cook them on the grill or in the oven at 250°F (121°C) for an additional 1-2 hours.

These Honey Garlic Ribs are sure to become a family favorite and a hit at any cookout or gathering. Enjoy the wonderful combination of sweet and savory flavors with each bite!

Cook’s Note:

• To make the ribs extra tender, consider using a cooking method called the “3-2-1” method when grilling. This method involves cooking the ribs for 3 hours at a low temperature (around 225°F or 107°C), then wrapping them in foil and cooking for 2 hours at the same temperature, and finally uncovering and cooking for 1 more hour while basting with the glaze. This extended cooking time will result in incredibly tender ribs.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly.
• If you’re short on time, you can marinate the ribs for as little as 30 minutes, although longer marinating times will yield more flavorful results.
• Don’t forget to preheat your grill before cooking the ribs. It’s essential for achieving that perfectly grilled exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside.
• Serve your honey garlic ribs with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy making and indulging in these delicious Honey Garlic Ribs, and don’t be surprised if they become a requested dish for all your future gatherings!