Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Ribs (Beef )
These Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Ribs are the ultimate comfort food—perfectly tender, sticky, and loaded with bold, mouthwatering flavor. Whether you prefer fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs or juicy chicken wings/drumsticks, this recipe delivers a satisfying blend of sweet honey, garlicky umami, and a subtle kick of heat.
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2–3 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky depth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the ribs on all sides until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and gives the ribs a delicious crust.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
3. Bake the Ribs:
- Pour half of the honey garlic sauce over the seared ribs, turning to coat thoroughly.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender.
4. Glaze and Finish:
- Remove the foil and brush the remaining sauce generously over the ribs.
- Turn your oven to broil and broil the ribs for 5–10 minutes, watching carefully, until the sauce is thickened and caramelized with a glossy finish.
Tips for Best Results:
- Use beef short ribs for a meaty, rich flavor, or go for a quicker-cooking option.
- Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicier.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these irresistible ribs with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Roasted vegetables
- A crisp green salad to balance the richness
Enjoy the sticky, savory-sweet goodness in every bite!