Honey Garlic Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the silver skin (thin membrane) from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off.
- Season both sides of the ribs with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Ribs
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear the ribs, meat-side down, for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip the ribs and sear for another 2 minutes on the bone side.
- Remove the ribs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Bake the Ribs
- Return the seared ribs to the skillet, meat-side up.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the ribs and cover the skillet with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away from the bones.
Step 5: Finish the Ribs
- Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
- Once the ribs are done baking, remove the foil and brush the remaining honey garlic sauce generously over the ribs.
- Grill or broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes, brushing with more sauce until caramelized and slightly charred.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Slow Cooking: Baking the ribs low and slow helps them become tender and juicy.
- Glaze: Be generous with the honey garlic sauce for a sweet and savory glaze.
- Grilling/Optional: You can skip the broiling and finish the ribs on a grill for an extra smoky flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or chili paste to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Sour: Add pineapple juice or brown sugar to the sauce for a more complex sweetness.
- Ribs Variation: You can also use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs if you prefer.
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Ribs
- Tender and Flavorful: These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a special treat for any occasion.
Enjoy your honey garlic ribs! 🍯🍖