These Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs are sweet, sticky, and absolutely mouthwatering! The soy sauce and honey combo gives the meat a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
Cooking these ribs is a breeze—just marinate, bake, and enjoy! I love serving them at family gatherings; they always vanish before I can grab a second helping! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Baby back ribs are my go-to because they’re tender and cook more quickly. Spare ribs can be used too but may take a bit longer. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using pork tenderloin.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce brings saltiness and umami. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you prefer a lighter flavor, coconut aminos can be a great substitute as well.
Honey: Honey adds that sweet stickiness. If you’re vegan, you can swap it for maple syrup or agave nectar. Brown sugar can work in a pinch, but it won’t give you the same glaze effect.
Rice Vinegar: This balances the dish. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used instead. Just a small splash will do!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for flavor. In a hurry? You can substitute with garlic powder, but fresh has a stronger impact.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender and Flavorsome?
To achieve tender ribs, the cooking time is crucial. Slow and low is the way to go! Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F for a gentle cook. This helps break down the meat fibers without overcooking.
- Marinate the ribs for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, allow them to sit in the marinade for up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- Bake covered with foil to keep the moisture in, allowing the ribs to steam as they cook. This is important for tenderness.
- Increase the oven’s heat towards the end to 425°F for that crispy, caramelized finish. A nice golden glaze makes a big difference!
Remember, let the ribs rest before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite delicious!
Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for cooking (including marinating time), so make sure to plan for that! The slow cook helps to make the ribs super tender and delicious. You’ll love how they turn out!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Marinade:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven is warming up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix it all until it’s well combined—it should smell amazing!
2. Marinating the Ribs:
Now it’s time to get those pork ribs ready! Place the ribs in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour that lovely soy honey marinade all over the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the dish with foil and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let them sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours!
3. Baking the Ribs:
Once your ribs are marinated, cover them again with the foil and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours. You’ll know they are done when the meat is tender and starts pulling away from the bones—a sure sign of deliciousness!
4. Caramelizing the Glaze:
Now comes the exciting part! Remove the foil from the ribs and baste them with the pan juices (this adds even more flavor!). Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake them uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn; you want that perfect caramelized glaze!
5. Serving Your Ribs:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the ribs rest for a few minutes for the juices to settle. Then, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you’re using them. Serve these hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy the delicious flavor!
This recipe delivers tender, flavorful ribs with a deliciously sticky soy honey glaze that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are often preferred for their tenderness, spare ribs can also work well. Just note that spare ribs may take slightly longer to cook. Whichever type you choose, follow the same cooking instructions!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. When you’re ready to use it, simply pour it over the ribs and let them marinate as directed in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or use a microwave for quicker results. Baste with a little water or marinade to keep them moist.
Can I Grill These Ribs Instead of Baking?
Definitely! After marinating, you can grill the ribs for a smoky flavor. Pre-cook them in the oven at 300°F for about 2 hours, and then finish them on a grill over medium heat, basting with the marinade until they’re caramelized and delicious!
