Sticky, sweet, and savory — these fall-off-the-bone ribs are pure comfort food bliss.
There’s something irresistible about tender ribs coated in a glossy honey garlic glaze. This Honey Garlic Spareribs recipe perfectly balances sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a touch of tangy vinegar for a flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Each bite is sticky, juicy, and packed with bold umami notes — the kind of dish that disappears fast at family dinners or weekend barbecues!
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork spareribs
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Prepare the Ribs
Cut the ribs into individual portions. For extra tenderness, remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel to grip and pull.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic until smooth.
Add the baking soda and whisk again — the mixture will foam slightly, helping to tenderize the meat and thicken the glaze.
4️⃣ Coat the Ribs
Add the ribs to the sauce and toss until they’re evenly coated. Arrange the pieces on the foil-lined pan, meat side up, and drizzle with extra sauce. Sprinkle with garlic salt.
5️⃣ Bake and Baste
Bake for 1 hour, flipping and basting every 20 minutes to build up a sticky, caramelized glaze.
For a crispy finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely so they don’t burn.
6️⃣ Serve
Transfer to a serving platter and spoon any extra glaze over the top. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
💡 Tips for Perfect Ribs
- Choose the right cut: Spareribs are meatier and more flavorful; baby back ribs are leaner and extra tender.
- Marinate for depth: Let the ribs sit in the sauce for 1–2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness: Reduce honey to ⅓ cup for a less-sweet glaze, or use low-sodium soy sauce to cut saltiness.
- Keep basting: Frequent basting locks in moisture and creates that signature sticky shine.
- Check doneness: Ribs are ready when the meat pulls easily from the bone or reaches 190°F (88°C) internally.
🔥 Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Ribs: Add 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes or 1 tablespoon sriracha.
- Asian-Inspired: Mix in 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger; top with sesame seeds and scallions.
- BBQ Fusion: Stir in 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Citrus Glaze: Add zest and juice of 1 orange or lime for brightness.
- Pineapple Twist: Replace part of the vinegar with ½ cup pineapple juice and garnish with grilled pineapple slices.
- Garlic-Butter Finish: Toss baked ribs in melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Slow Cooker Version: Cook on low 6–8 hours, then broil for a caramelized top.
- Grilled Ribs: Grill over medium heat, basting frequently until glazed and cooked through.
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days; reheat in oven or microwave.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, brushing with extra sauce.
- Microwave: 30-second bursts until warmed through.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Add a refreshing side like coleslaw or corn on the cob.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions for color and crunch.
🥰 Final Thoughts
These Honey Garlic Spareribs are everything you crave — sweet, savory, sticky, and tender enough to melt in your mouth. Whether you bake, grill, or slow-cook them, that luscious honey-soy glaze guarantees finger-licking results every time.
Serve them for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, and watch them vanish from the plate. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for crowd-pleasing ribs with minimal effort and maximum flavor. 🍯🔥
