These easy soy honey glazed pork ribs are a tasty treat! The sweet and savory sauce makes them super yummy and perfect for any meal. Plus, they cook up nice and tender!
Trust me, the sticky sauce is what you’ll love most! You might want to keep some napkins handy—things might get a little messy! 😂 I enjoy serving them with some rice for a complete dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: You can choose baby back ribs for tenderness or spare ribs for a meatier bite. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using pork loin ribs or even chicken wings instead!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is great here since it lets the honey shine without getting too salty. If you’re gluten-free, go for tamari or coconut aminos—you’ll still get that great flavor!
Honey: While honey adds sweetness, you could swap it for maple syrup or agave nectar if you’re vegan. Just note that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still taste great.
Ginger: This adds a nice zing! Fresh ginger is best, but if you don’t have any, powdered ginger will do in a pinch—just use about 1/2 teaspoon.
How Do You Get the Ribs to Be So Tender?
To achieve tender ribs, slow-cooking is key! Here’s how to ensure they come out perfect:
- Start at a low oven temperature (300°F) to gently break down the connective tissues, making them melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Cover with foil while baking to trap moisture. This keeps the ribs juicy!
- After cooking, raising the temperature helps to caramelize the glaze, giving you that delicious sticky finish.
Taking your time with these steps will leave you with ribs that fall off the bone, just as they should be!
Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs), cut into individual ribs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep work and approximately 2.5 hours for cooking in the oven. The result? Tender, sticky ribs, bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature helps to cook the ribs slowly, keeping them nice and tender.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), vegetable oil, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is combined, and it smells fantastic!
3. Prepare the Ribs:
Take your pork ribs and lay them in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour half of the prepared glaze over the ribs, making sure to toss them so they’re well coated. This will soak in all that delicious sauce!
4. Cover and Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Check for doneness—you’re looking for the meat to be tender and pulling away from the bone effortlessly.
5. Brush and Broil:
After baking, carefully remove the foil and brush the ribs with the remaining glaze. Now, it’s time to crank up the heat! Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or set your broiler to high. Bake the ribs uncovered for 10-15 minutes, and baste them once or twice with the glaze, until the outside is caramelized and slightly charred. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making them even more flavorful. Serve with garnish like fresh lime wedges for squeezing and chopped cilantro if desired.
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your sticky, flavorful soy honey glazed pork ribs, and consider pairing them with rice or your favorite sides. Enjoy the compliments!
FAQ for Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe is best with pork ribs, you can also use pork loin or even chicken wings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken wings will take less time to cook!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soy honey glaze up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, give it a good stir before using it.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to brush on a bit more glaze for that delicious sticky flavor!
Can I Grill the Ribs Instead of Baking?
Yes, you can definitely grill the ribs! After marinating, preheat your grill to medium heat and cook them for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the glaze until they’re thoroughly cooked and slightly charred. This gives a lovely smoky flavor!
