Honey Garlic Ribs – a sweet and savory delight! Here's a complete recipe to make succulent and flavorful Honey Garlic Ribs, along with some tips and variations to try.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds total)
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions, for garnish (optional)
* Honey Garlic Glaze (see below for recipe)
**Honey Garlic Glaze:**
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat your oven:** Set your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. **Prep the ribs:** Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help the rub stick). Cut the ribs into individual portions, if needed.
3. **Mix the dry rub:** In a small bowl, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, olive oil, ginger, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. **Apply the dry rub:** Coat each rib portion with the dry rub, making sure to get both sides evenly covered. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the rub to absorb.
5. **Slow cook the ribs:** Place the coated ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Cover with another sheet of foil or parchment paper. Bake for 2 hours.
6. **Glaze and finish:** During the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the ribs with the Honey Garlic Glaze. Return the ribs to the oven and cook until caramelized and slightly charred.
7. **Rest and serve:** Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
**Tips for making tastier Honey Garlic Ribs:**
1. **Use high-quality ingredients:** Fresh garlic, good-quality honey, and real soy sauce will make a big difference in the flavor.
2. **Don't overcook:** Under-cooked ribs will be more tender and juicy, while overcooked ribs will be dry and tough.
3. **Get the right balance:** Make sure the honey and garlic don't overpower the other flavors. Adjust the quantities to your taste.
4. **Try different woods:** If you have a smoker or charcoal grill, experiment with different types of wood (e.g., hickory, apple, or cherry) to add unique flavors to your ribs.
**Variations:**
1. **Spicy Honey Garlic Ribs:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot or sriracha) to the dry rub.
2. **Asian-Style Honey Garlic Ribs:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of grated ginger and 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil to the dry rub.
3. **Brown Sugar Bourbon Ribs:** Replace 1-2 tablespoons of honey with brown sugar and add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze.
4. **Korean-Style Honey Garlic Ribs:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the dry rub and use a sweet and spicy glaze (e.g., soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and gochujang).
Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Ribs!