This Honey Garlic Spareribs recipe sounds absolutely mouthwatering! The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and tangy vinegar creates a delicious glaze that’s perfect for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Here’s a quick recap of the recipe with some tips and variations to make it even better:
Honey Garlic Spareribs Recipe
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
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Ribs: Cut the ribs into individual portions.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic until the sugar and honey dissolve. Add baking soda and whisk—the mixture will foam.
- Coat the Ribs: Add the ribs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake: Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, meat side up. Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Cook: Bake for 1 hour, flipping and basting every 20 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy your sticky, flavorful ribs!
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Spareribs
- Choose the Right Ribs:
- Use pork spareribs or baby back ribs for this recipe. Spareribs are meatier, while baby back ribs are more tender.
- Remove the Membrane:
- Peel off the thin membrane on the back of the ribs for a more tender result. Use a paper towel to grip and pull it off.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor:
- Let the ribs marinate in the sauce for 1-2 hours (or overnight) in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness and Saltiness:
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to ⅓ cup.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Baking Soda Trick:
- The baking soda helps tenderize the ribs and creates a foamy reaction that helps the sauce cling to the meat.
- Baste Frequently:
- Basting the ribs every 20 minutes ensures they stay moist and develop a sticky, caramelized glaze.
- Broil for Crispiness:
- For a crispy finish, broil the ribs for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Check for Doneness:
- The ribs are done when the meat pulls away from the bones and reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Ribs:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes or 1 tablespoon sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Asian-Inspired Ribs:
- Add 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger to the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- BBQ Honey Garlic Ribs:
- Mix in 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Citrus Honey Garlic Ribs:
- Add zest and juice of 1 orange or 1 lime to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Sticky Pineapple Ribs:
- Add ½ cup pineapple juice to the sauce and garnish with grilled pineapple slices.
- Garlic Butter Ribs:
- After baking, toss the ribs in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley for extra richness.
- Slow Cooker Ribs:
- Cook the ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then finish under the broiler for a sticky glaze.
- Grilled Ribs:
- Grill the ribs over medium heat, basting with the sauce, until caramelized and cooked through.
How to Store
- Refrigerating:
- Store leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing:
- Wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, basting with extra sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with a fresh coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flair.
This Honey Garlic Spareribs recipe is sure to be a hit at your next meal! Let me know if you’d like more tips or variations. 😊🍖