Sam Celebrate Dad with a dish that’s bold, satisfying, and bursting with sweet, garlicky flavor—Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs. These fall-off-the-bone pork ribs are slathered in a finger-licking sauce made from honey, garlic, soy, and a hint of vinegar, then baked or grilled to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a Father’s Day BBQ or surprising Dad with a hearty dinner, these ribs are guaranteed to steal the show.
Few meals say “I love you, Dad” like a rack of sticky, savory-sweet ribs. This recipe captures everything you want in a Father’s Day feast—bold flavor, tender meat, and a sticky glaze that caramelizes to perfection. These honey garlic pork ribs strike that perfect balance between sweet and savory, satisfying even the pickiest eaters. They’re simple enough for a weekend cookout yet special enough for a celebration.
Whether you’re cooking them in the oven or on the grill, these sticky ribs will make you the hero of the day. The marinade penetrates deep into the meat, while the final glaze creates a beautiful lacquered finish that’s impossible to resist. Pair them with some smoky sides and an ice-cold drink, and you’ve got the ultimate Father’s Day dinner lineup.
Wondering what cut to use for tender, flavorful ribs? Check out this pork rib guide from The National Pork Board. Curious about the science behind tenderizing meat? Explore this article from the USDA on marinating and cooking meat safely. Interested in the benefits of garlic and honey in your meals? Read this deep dive from Healthline on the health benefits of garlic and honey.
Best Ever Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs (Perfect for Father’s Day BBQ)
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 3 lbs pork ribs baby back or St. Louis-style
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: dry rub of paprika garlic powder, brown sugar
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos for gluten-free
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional for aroma
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for slurry
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: – Remove the silver skin from the underside of the ribs for tenderness.– Pat ribs dry, rub with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and optional dry rub.
- Make the Honey Garlic Marinade: – In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. – Set aside ½ cup of marinade for later.
- Marinate the Ribs: – Place ribs in a zip-top bag or baking dish. Pour in remaining marinade. – Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Bake or Grill: Oven Method: – Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap ribs in foil and place on a baking sheet. – Bake for 2 hours until tender. Unwrap and discard excess juices.Grill Method: – Set grill to medium-low with indirect heat. Grill ribs wrapped in foil for 1.5–2 hours. – Unwrap and grill over direct heat for 5–10 minutes to char.
- Make the Sticky Glaze: – In a saucepan, heat reserved marinade. Stir in cornstarch slurry. Simmer until thickened. – Brush glaze onto ribs and broil or grill for 3–5 minutes until caramelized.
- Serve and Garnish: – Rest ribs for 5 minutes. Slice between bones. – Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
Notes
RECIPE OVERVIEW
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Cuisine: American / BBQ
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 2 hours (oven or grill)
- Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 25g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
Budget Breakdown
- Pork ribs (3 lbs): ~$10.00
- Honey, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, spices: ~$4.00
- Optional garnish (green onions, sesame): ~$1.00
- Total Cost: ~$15.00
- Cost per Serving: ~$2.50
Why You’ll Love These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs
- Perfect for Father’s Day BBQs and dinners
- Sweet, sticky, savory glaze that clings to every bite
- Oven-baked or grilled for flexibility
- Easy to make ahead and reheat
- Crowd-pleasing ribs with simple ingredients
Perfect For:
- Father’s Day celebrations and cookouts
- Weekend dinners or game day gatherings
- Serving alongside potato salad, grilled corn, or slaw
- Meal prep with big flavor and easy reheating
Behind the Recipe
This recipe was inspired by the idea of giving Dad something indulgent, flavorful, and made with love. These sticky honey garlic ribs are marinated in a garlic soy honey mixture that penetrates deep into the meat for incredible flavor. After a long slow bake (or indirect grill), they’re basted with a thickened glaze that caramelizes under heat, leaving a sticky-sweet coating that you’ll want to lick off your fingers.
It’s a fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and classic American BBQ comfort—a surefire win for Father’s Day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ribs:
- 3 lbs pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis-style)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: dry rub of paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for aroma)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Pork Ribs: Choose baby back for tenderness or St. Louis-style for meatier bites.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Garlic: Loads of fresh garlic enhances the savory side.
- Soy Sauce: Balances sweet and savory while adding umami.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the glaze to a perfect sticky consistency.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
- Remove the silver skin from the underside of the ribs for tenderness.
- Pat ribs dry, rub with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and optional dry rub.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Set aside ½ cup of marinade for later.
Step 3: Marinate the Ribs
- Place ribs in a zip-top bag or baking dish. Pour in remaining marinade.
- Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 4: Bake or Grill
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap ribs in foil and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 2 hours until tender. Unwrap and discard excess juices.
Grill Method:
- Set grill to medium-low with indirect heat. Grill ribs wrapped in foil for 1.5–2 hours.
- Unwrap and grill over direct heat for 5–10 minutes to char.
Step 5: Make the Sticky Glaze
- In a saucepan, heat reserved marinade. Stir in cornstarch slurry. Simmer until thickened.
- Brush glaze onto ribs and broil or grill for 3–5 minutes until caramelized.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Rest ribs for 5 minutes. Slice between bones.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
Pro Tips for Success
- Remove silver skin from ribs to ensure tenderness.
- Don’t skip marinating—it infuses flavor deep into the meat.
- Always reserve some marinade for basting (never reuse raw marinade).
- Double the glaze for extra sticky goodness.
- Use a broiler to add char if you’re baking indoors.
Easy Variations
- Grilled Sticky Ribs: Skip baking and cook fully on the grill over indirect heat.
- Honey Garlic Spare Ribs: Use thicker cut ribs and increase cook time.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook ribs on low for 6 hours, then broil with glaze.
- Spicy Sticky Ribs: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked ribs in foil for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Serve With: Mashed potatoes, grilled corn, coleslaw, or roasted veggies.
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Pair sticky honey garlic ribs with:
- Creamy garlic mashed potatoes or potato wedges
- Roasted asparagus or grilled corn on the cob
- Chilled cucumber salad or Asian slaw
- Homemade lemonade or a cold craft beer
These ribs bring sweet heat and deep flavor to the Father’s Day dinner table. They’re guaranteed to become a yearly tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The secret lies in the balance of flavors and a final broil or grill to caramelize the glaze. Use honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar for a rich base.
Absolutely. Baking low and slow at 300°F yields tender ribs. Finish under the broiler to develop that signature sticky glaze.
Wrap ribs in foil and bake at a low temperature for about 2 hours. This steams the meat and breaks down connective tissue.
Baby back ribs are more tender and cook faster, while St. Louis-style ribs are meatier and ideal for bold glazes like honey garlic.
Yes! Cook and refrigerate them a day in advance. Reheat in foil and glaze just before serving.
For maximum flavor, marinate overnight. If short on time, a minimum of 2 hours still adds great taste.
Pair with summer salads, roasted veggies, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes.
Yes. Slow cook on low for 6–7 hours, then transfer to a baking sheet to broil with glaze for 3–5 minutes.
Wrap them in foil with a splash of broth or glaze and reheat in the oven at 350°F.
Definitely. It works well with chicken wings, pork chops, or even tofu for a plant-based twist.
Final Thoughts
These Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs are more than just a recipe—they’re a celebration of flavor, family, and the joy of sharing a good meal. They deliver everything you want for a special occasion like Father’s Day: rich, sweet-savory glaze, tender meat, and just enough caramelized char to make every bite memorable.
Whether you choose to bake, grill, or slow-cook them, these ribs bring both comfort and wow-factor to your table. The sticky honey garlic glaze elevates them from ordinary to unforgettable, and the ease of preparation makes them a go-to for holiday dinners or weekend indulgence.
Make this your new Father’s Day tradition—bold flavors, good company, and ribs so good they’ll have Dad licking his fingers.
Want more crowd-pleasing recipes for Father’s Day? Don’t miss our Grilled Corn & Mango Salsa, Tropical BBQ Chicken Wings, and Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob to round out your celebratory menu.
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Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs marinated in honey, garlic, and soy, then glazed and grilled or baked to sticky perfection. The ultimate Father’s Day dinner!
