The succulent honey garlic ribs are a culinary masterpiece, featuring tender, fall-off-the-bone meat enveloped in a sweet and savory glaze. After a long, slow bake that breaks down the connective tissues, the ribs are brushed with a luscious honey garlic sauce and grilled to perfection, creating a mouthwatering caramelized exterior. The balance of honey’s sweetness with the umami richness of soy sauce and the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger delivers an irresistible flavor profile. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings the joy of savoring tender, flavorful ribs to any occasion, making it a standout recipe for both casual dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients:
- For the Ribs:
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it’s still attached. This can be done by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, and thyme.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Place the ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil, meat side up. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Bake the Ribs:
- Wrap the ribs tightly in the aluminum foil, making sure there are no openings where juices can escape.
- Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- While the ribs are baking, make the honey garlic sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Finish the Ribs:
- When the ribs are done baking, carefully remove them from the foil and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a clean piece of foil.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush a generous amount of the honey garlic sauce over the ribs.
- Grill the ribs for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with more sauce, until the surface is caramelized and slightly crispy.
- Serve:
- Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones.
- Serve the ribs with additional honey garlic sauce on the side for dipping.
