Honey Garlic Spare Ribs

 Honey Garlic Spare Ribs Recipe: Sweet, Sticky, and Delicious

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Honey garlic spare ribs are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and sticky, making them a crowd favorite at barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Tender and flavorful, these ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, glazed with a luscious honey garlic sauce that’s both comforting and irresistible. Whether you’re a rib connoisseur or trying your hand at this dish for the first time, this recipe will help you achieve fall-off-the-bone spare ribs with a glossy, finger-licking sauce.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Spare Ribs

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of pork spare ribs (about 4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium, if preferred)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Aluminum foil
• Saucepan for the glaze
• Basting brush
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Spare Ribs

Start by preparing the ribs, which is key to achieving tender, flavorful results.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Remove the Membrane: Flip the ribs over to the bone side. There is a thin, silvery membrane covering the back of the ribs that can make them tough if left on. Use a knife to loosen one end of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.
3. Season the Ribs: Drizzle the olive oil over the ribs and rub it in. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika on both sides.
4. Wrap in Foil: Place the ribs on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, bone side down, and cover them tightly with aluminum foil. This traps moisture and helps the ribs become tender while cooking.

Step 2: Slow-Cook the Ribs

Cooking the ribs low and slow ensures they become tender and juicy.

1. Bake the Ribs: Place the foil-wrapped ribs in the preheated oven and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
2. Prepare the Sauce While Baking: While the ribs are baking, move on to making the sweet and sticky honey garlic glaze.

Step 3: Making the Honey Garlic Sauce

This sauce is what makes the ribs shine! It’s sticky, sweet, garlicky, and perfectly balanced.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and red pepper flakes (optional for heat).
2. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Glaze the Ribs

Once your ribs are tender and cooked, it’s time to glaze them and add that irresistible honey garlic flavor.

1. Remove the Ribs from the Oven: Carefully take the ribs out of the oven and discard the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or prepare your grill if you prefer grilling the ribs to finish.
2. Glaze the Ribs: Using a basting brush, generously coat both sides of the ribs with the honey garlic sauce. Be sure to cover every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.
3. Bake or Grill for a Final Glaze:
   • Oven Method: Place the glazed ribs back in the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and become sticky.
   • Grill Method: Alternatively, transfer the ribs to a preheated grill and cook for 5-10 minutes over medium heat, turning occasionally and brushing with extra sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the ribs are beautifully caramelized, remove them from the oven or grill.

1. Rest the Ribs: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing them into individual ribs for serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes for a cleaner cut.
2. Serve: Serve the honey garlic spare ribs with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Spare Ribs

1. Use Spare Ribs or Baby Back Ribs: This recipe works well with both types of ribs, though spare ribs are larger and meatier, making them a great choice for this dish.
2. Low and Slow Cooking: The key to tender ribs is slow-cooking them at a low temperature. Don’t rush the process—allow them to bake for several hours until the meat is soft and almost falling off the bone.
3. Finish on the Grill for Smoky Flavor: For that authentic BBQ flavor, finish the ribs on the grill after glazing. This adds a hint of smokiness and gives the glaze a beautifully caramelized crust.
4. Adjust the Sauce to Taste: If you prefer your ribs less sweet, reduce the amount of honey slightly. For more tang, add an extra splash of vinegar, and for some heat, increase the red pepper flakes.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Spare Ribs

• Coleslaw: A cool, tangy coleslaw is the perfect side to cut through the richness of the ribs.
• Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is an excellent companion to sweet, sticky ribs.
• Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn add balance to the meal.
• Baked Beans: A classic BBQ side, baked beans pair wonderfully with ribs for a hearty, comforting meal.

Conclusion

Honey garlic spare ribs are a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and sticky, making them a hit at any gathering. With their fall-off-the-bone tenderness and addictive honey garlic glaze, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether baked or finished on the grill, these ribs are sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. So fire up the oven or grill and get ready to enjoy some deliciously sticky ribs!