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Garlic Ribs deliver incredible savory aroma and sticky, caramelized edges as soon as they hit your table. The mingling of roasted garlic, honey, and umami-rich soy sauce transforms humble ribs into an addictive centerpiece that’s both bold and tender with every bite. Whether you crave a classic Spare Ribs Recipe or dream of a luscious Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe brushed over slow-roasted Sticky Ribs Recipe, this dish is versatile enough to inspire everything from Honey Garlic Chicken Recipes to Honey Wings Recipe ideas for future gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Ribs
- The sweet, garlicky glaze envelops each rib for maximum flavor in every mouthful.
- These Garlic Ribs are oven-friendly, allowing for hands-off cooking and effortless cleanup.
- The technique produces juicy ribs that separate from the bone without a fight.
- This recipe’s flexible sauce complements Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs or Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks too.
- Leftover sauce tastes incredible drizzled on Honey Garlic Wings Recipe or tossed with Honey Bbq Wings for your next meal.
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category: | Main Dish |
Cuisine: | Healthy |
Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
Cook Time: | 1 hour 40 minutes |
Total Time: | 1 hour 55 minutes |
Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
Serves: | 4 |
Best Served: | Warm |
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork spare ribs – Protein-packed main that’s tender and filling (spare ribs)
- 8 garlic cloves, minced – Source of bold flavor and allicin compounds
- 1/2 cup honey – Lends natural sweetness and that signature sticky finish
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Brings savory depth and balances the honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar – Adds light tang for contrast and tenderness
- 1 tbsp sesame oil – Infuses nutty aroma and healthy fats
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated – Lively heat and refreshing zing (ginger)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper – Delicate spice to round out the flavor
- Green onions and sesame seeds – For garnish and crunch (allium)

Garlic Ribs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove membranes from ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer on medium-low for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Place ribs in a roasting pan. Brush with half the sauce. Marinate for 20 minutes to 12 hours in the fridge.
- Cover tightly with foil and roast for 90 minutes, basting with sauce halfway through.
- Uncover, brush with remaining sauce, increase oven to 425°F (218°C), and broil for 10–12 minutes until caramelized.
- Let ribs rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve hot or use the sauce for other proteins like chicken wings, drumsticks, or thighs.
Notes
How to Make the Recipe
Bask in the comforting scent of roasting as you craft Garlic Ribs with golden, garlicky glaze and melting tenderness.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Ribs
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove membranes from ribs and use paper towels to pat them dry.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Simmer on medium-low for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Marinate
Place ribs in a roasting pan or foil-lined baking dish. Brush generously with half the sauce, coating all surfaces. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 12 hours for extra flavor.
Step 4: Slow Roast
Cover pan tightly with foil. Slow roast for 90 minutes, basting with sauce halfway through, until ribs are tender but not falling apart.
Step 5: Glaze and Broil
Uncover ribs, brush with remaining sauce, and increase heat to 425°F (218°C). Broil or roast uncovered for 10–12 minutes until edges caramelize and sauce becomes sticky.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Transfer to a cutting board. Rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.
Step 7: Enjoy and Adapt
Serve hot as Garlic Ribs, or use the same sauce to create Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks, Honey Garlic Wings Recipe or Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for a fresh twist on comfort classics.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Steam ribs for 10 minutes before roasting to ensure extra-tender meat and accelerated cooking time.
- Don’t toss the pan juices—reduce them with a splash of vinegar for tangy Honey Garlic Sauce for Wings.
- Substitute coconut aminos for a gluten-free, soy-free option in your Sticky Ribs Recipe.
- To achieve crispy edges, brush ribs one last time with sauce before broiling.
- Reserve extra sauce to drizzle over Honey Bbq Wings or as a flavor booster for a Honey Wings Recipe side dish.
How to Serve Garlic Ribs
Bring Garlic Ribs to the spotlight with these creative and crowd-pleasing serving ideas:
- Slice and serve with a fresh slaw for color and crunch
- Pair with roasted sweet potatoes for a natural caramel boost
- Dish alongside steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for Thai-inspired flair
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb feast
- Shred leftovers for tacos or Asian lettuce wraps
- Serve with a bowl of sticky rice and steamed broccoli for vibrant balance
- Pair with a cool cucumber salad
- Offer alongside Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for variation at a party platter
- Add wedges of lime so guests can spritz fresh acidity just before eating

Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Chill ribs in a glass container and enjoy within 3–4 days for best texture
• Separate meat from bones to pack for weekly meal prep
• Store sauce separately to re-glaze before serving
• Avoid plastic wrap for long-term storage to keep flavors clear
Freezing
• Wrap ribs tightly in heavy-duty foil before freezing for up to 2 months
• Freeze in single layers with parchment to prevent sticking
• Label with date and type (Garlic Ribs or Sticky Ribs Recipe) for easy grabbing
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator—never on the counter
Reheating
• Warm at 325°F (163°C) in a foil-covered tray with a splash of water until hot
• Brush with extra sauce before reheating to refresh the glaze
• Microwave in short bursts, covered, to avoid drying out
• Finish under the broiler for a few minutes to bring back caramelization
FAQs
What are the health benefits of pork and garlic?
Pork ribs offer high-quality protein, zinc, and B vitamins. Garlic boosts the dish with allicin, a compound praised for its immune-supporting properties, and may help heart health.
Can I substitute pork ribs?
Yes—chicken drumsticks or meaty thighs work perfectly with the same Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe, drawing inspiration from Honey Garlic Chicken Recipes and Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks for flexible, crowd-pleasing swaps.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Use lots of fresh ginger, vinegar, and citrus juice to brighten the glaze. Lean on herbs like scallions or cilantro, and try smoked paprika for depth without added sugar or fat.
Can I meal prep Garlic Ribs?
Absolutely—marinate and roast ribs in advance, then reheat before eating. The sauce works beautifully for batch-prepping Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs or Honey Wings Recipe for a flavor-packed week.
Final Thoughts
Nothing rivals the irresistible aroma and glossy finish of Garlic Ribs fresh from the oven. The versatility of this recipe means you can play with proteins, sides, and sauce variations—think Honey Garlic Chicken Recipes and even Honey Garlic Wings Recipe—to suit every craving. Let the sweet, garlicky glaze elevate your home kitchen into a spot everyone remembers. Don’t be surprised if these Sticky Ribs Recipe become the first thing friends request when they visit. Enjoy every sticky, savory moment of Garlic Ribs, no matter how you serve them.