These Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs are sticky, sweet, and packed with flavor. The soy and honey mix is a perfect blend to coat tender, juicy ribs.
You’ll love how simple they are to make! Just whip up the glaze, brush it on, and pop them in the oven. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: I recommend using baby back ribs for their tenderness, but spare ribs work well too. If you want a leaner option, try boneless pork chops, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice to let the sweetness of honey shine through without overwhelming saltiness. If you’re avoiding soy, look for coconut aminos as a suitable substitute.
Honey: Use any honey you prefer, but local honey adds a lovely flavor. For a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey for a similar sweetness.
Hoisin Sauce: This is optional, but it really enhances flavor with its sweet and tangy notes. If you don’t have it, a bit of extra honey and a splash of soy sauce can mimic a similar taste.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar gives a nice mild tang. If unavailable, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can work, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Tender Ribs?
To get tender, juicy ribs, it’s essential to cook them low and slow. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat to a low temperature of 300°F (150°C) and cook covered for 2 to 2.5 hours. This slow cooking breaks down the meat fibers, making them tender.
- Use foil to cover the ribs while baking; this keeps them moist.
- After the initial cook, remove the foil and increase the temperature to caramelize the glaze, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Letting the ribs rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and delicious!
Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 2 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs), cut into individual rib portions
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or finely minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires approximately 15 minutes of prep time and 2 to 2.5 hours of cooking time for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Plus, you’ll want to let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes before serving. So, overall, plan for about 3 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Make the Glaze:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and vegetable oil. This mixture will be your flavorful glaze!
3. Coat the Ribs:
Take the pork ribs and place them in a large bowl. Pour about half of the glaze over the ribs and toss them to get all that deliciousness coated evenly. Remember to save the other half for later!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Arrange the ribs on your lined baking sheet in a single layer, with the bone side facing down. Cover them tightly with foil to keep them moist while baking.
5. Bake the Ribs:
Put the covered ribs in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. You’ll know they are ready when the meat easily pulls away from the bone. Yum!
6. Brush with Glaze:
Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove the foil. Brush the ribs generously with the reserved glaze, making sure they’re all coated in that sticky goodness.
7. Caramelize the Ribs:
Now, raise the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Bake the ribs uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, basting them with the glaze once or twice more. This step is key for that beautiful caramelized finish, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
8. Rest the Ribs:
After baking, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring every bite is juicy!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the ribs on a platter with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over them. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if you like! Dig in and enjoy your delicious, sticky soy honey glazed pork ribs!
FAQ for Easy Soy Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use either baby back or spare ribs, depending on your preference. Baby back ribs are typically more tender, while spare ribs have a bit more meat and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and glaze the ribs ahead of time. Simply store the coated ribs in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
What Should I Do with Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or easily pop them in the microwave. Baste with a bit more glaze to keep them moist while reheating!
Can I Cook These Ribs on the Grill Instead?
Yes! For grilling, follow the same glazing instructions but cook the ribs over indirect heat on a grill. After they’re tender, finish them off on direct heat to caramelize the glaze for a smoky, charred flavor!
