These Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs are sticky, sweet, and packed with flavor! The soy sauce and honey blend perfectly to create a tasty glaze that will have everyone coming back for more.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with ribs! They’re great for BBQs or a cozy dinner at home. I love making extra sauce to drizzle on top because more is always better, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Use baby back ribs for tenderness, but spare ribs work too. If you can’t find pork, beef short ribs can be a great substitute, just adjust cooking time as they may take longer to become tender.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is my go-to for balance, but you can swap it with tamari for a gluten-free option. If you like it sweet, consider using a sweet soy sauce called kecap manis for a richer flavor.
Honey: I prefer using a mild honey, but you can substitute agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option. Each will bring its own unique flavor twist!
Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a mild tang, but apple cider vinegar works well too. If you don’t have vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate the Ribs?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor into the ribs. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well mixed.
- Place ribs in a baking dish and cover them thoroughly with the marinade. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.
- Consider turning the ribs once or twice while they marinate to ensure even coverage.
Don’t skip this step! The longer you marinate, the more delicious the ribs will be when cooked.
How Can I Get a Perfectly Sticky Glaze on My Ribs?
Getting that sticky glaze on your ribs requires just a bit of technique:
- After baking, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature. This helps caramelize the sauce on the ribs.
- Basting the ribs with the leftover marinade during the uncovered baking phase is crucial. It helps build layers of flavor and gives a nice sheen.
- If you want an extra sticky finish, put the ribs under the broiler for a couple of minutes, watching them carefully so they don’t burn.
This step not only enhances flavor but also makes the ribs visually appealing with that glossy finish!
How to Make Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds pork ribs, cut into individual ribs
- For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For Serving:
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 2 hours of cooking time, plus an optional 3 minutes under the broiler for that perfect finish. In total, plan for around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Most of that is hands-off time while the ribs bake, giving you time to relax until they’re ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get your oven warmed up by preheating it to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow method will help tenderize the meat beautifully as it cooks.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper until everything is well blended. This marinade is going to add a ton of flavor!
3. Marinate the Ribs:
Take your pork ribs and place them in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure to turn them so they’re nicely coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for the best flavor, pop them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. A little time goes a long way!
4. Bake the Ribs:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 2 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bones. Oh, the aroma will be irresistible!
5. Create a Glaze:
Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove the foil and crank the oven up to 425°F (220°C). Brush the ribs with the leftover marinade and return them to the oven without the foil. Bake for about 15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they glaze evenly. This step will make them that lovely sticky, golden-brown color!
6. Optional Broil Finish:
If you want a bit of char (which adds extra flavor!), place the ribs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning; we want caramelization, not charred ribs!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the juices settle. Then, serve your delicious ribs hot, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro or parsley if you like.
8. Enjoy!
Don’t forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the ribs just before biting in for that perfect balance of sweetness and tang! Enjoy your flavorful, sticky, and tender soy honey glazed pork ribs!
FAQ for Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are a popular choice for tenderness, you can also use spare ribs or beef short ribs. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly until they’re tender!
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
The longer you marinate, the better the flavor! Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you can let them sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours, you’ll notice a significant boost in flavor. Just be sure to keep them covered!
What if I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?
No problem! You can simply omit the sesame oil if you don’t have it on hand. The marinade will still taste great without it, as the soy sauce and honey will provide plenty of flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. Enjoy them again for another tasty meal!
