Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs (Party Size)

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, these Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are it. Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs get coated in a sweet, garlicky, and slightly smoky sauce that’s finger-licking good. Perfect for game days, summer cookouts, or any big gathering, this recipe makes enough to feed a hungry crowd—because trust me, everyone will want seconds.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

• 4 racks pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style, about 8 lbs total)

• 2 Tbsp salt

• 2 Tbsp black pepper

• 2 Tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 Tbsp garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp onion powder

• 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for a kick)

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

For the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1 cup honey

• ¾ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 8 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 Tbsp ground ginger)

• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water (slurry)

• 1 Tbsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds

• Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Prep the Ribs

• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional but makes them more tender).

• Pat dry with paper towels.

• Rub with olive oil and coat with the seasoning mix (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder).

• Let rest at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for a few hours for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Ribs (Choose Your Method)

Oven-Baked (Best Texture):

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

2. Wrap ribs tightly in foil (individually or stacked) and place on a baking sheet.

3. Bake for 2.5–3 hours, until ribs are tender.

Grill Finish (Optional):
After baking, place ribs on the grill over medium heat for extra char and caramelization.

Slow Cooker (Hands-Off Option):

1. Cut ribs into sections that fit your slow cooker.

2. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until tender.

3. Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil (if using).

2. Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Mix cornstarch slurry and stir into sauce. Cook 2–3 minutes until thickened.

4. Glaze and Finish

1. Once ribs are cooked, remove foil. Brush generously with sauce.

2. Broil on HIGH for 3–5 minutes or grill over medium-high heat, basting with more sauce until caramelized and sticky.

5. Serve

• Slice ribs between the bones.

• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

• Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Suggested Sides

• Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice

• Asian slaw

• Grilled corn

• Garlic noodles

• Stir-fried veggies

Pro Tip: Make extra sauce! It’s perfect for dipping ribs, drizzling over rice, or tossing with noodles.