Honey Soy Ribs Recipe

Gather ’round, my culinary adventurers, because today we’re diving fork-first into the sweet and savory world of honey-infused pork ribs that are about to make your taste buds do the happy dance!

I love to prepare honey soy ribs because they are the epitome of the harmonious interplay of sweet and savory tastes. They are nothing without the marinade, a delightful blend of soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.

I can’t imagine living in a world without the sesame oil and fresh ginger and garlic that give the ribs some real depth. My absolute favorite part, though, is the finish: a perky, peppery blast and a mix of green onions and sesame seeds that take the ribs to another level, at least in my book.

Honey Soy Ribs Recipe Ingredients

• Pork Ribs: Rich in protein, juicy, perfect for slow cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami flavor, enhances sweetness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, provides glaze, caramelizes beautifully.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds mild tanginess, balances sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty aroma, enhances Asian flavors.
• Garlic: Aromatic, provides depth and savory richness.
• Fresh Ginger: Zesty spice, aids digestion, anti-inflammatory.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens sweetness, balances soy sauce.

Honey Soy Ribs Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 lbs pork ribs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

How to Make this Honey Soy Ribs Recipe

1. Set your oven to 300°F (150°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and placing a wire rack on top of it.

2. In a big bowl, blend with a whisk the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, brown sugar, and, if desired, chili flakes.

3. Put the pork ribs in the marinade, making sure they are completely covered. Put a lid on the container and place it in the refrigerator for no less than 2 hours, and preferably overnight.

4. Take the ribs out of the marinade and keep the leftover marinade to baste the ribs later.

5. Set up the mounted ribs in the baking tray. Encase the ribs in aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 to
2.5 hours until very tender.

6. Raise the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Take off the foil and apply the saved marinade to the ribs.

7. Reinsert the ribs in the oven, and continue cooking them for another 20-30 minutes, during which time you should baste them a couple of times, until they take on a shiny, “finished” look and are, as we like to say, caramelized and sticky.

8. To get even more caramelization, you can put the ribs under the broiler for the last 5 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn.

9. Take the ribs from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before you start cutting.

10. Top with finely minced green onions and a scatter of sesame seeds. Then you can serve it. Enjoy!

Honey Soy Ribs Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Aluminum foil
4. Wire rack
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Knife (for mincing garlic and grating ginger)
8. Grater (for ginger)
9. Tongs (for handling ribs)
10. Refrigerator
11. Basting brush
12. Measuring cups and spoons
13. Broiler (optional)
14. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I use beef ribs instead of pork ribs?A: Yes, you can substitute beef ribs, but depending on how thick the beef ribs are, the cooking time may vary.
• Q: Is there an alternative to sesame oil if I don’t have any?A: It is permissible to use a mild vegetable oil, or extra virgin olive oil, although the flavor will be ever so slightly different.
• Q: Can I make this dish less spicy?A: Certainly, just leave out the chili flakes to make it a milder version.
• Q: How long should I marinate the ribs for best results?A: The best flavor comes from marinating the ribs for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight.
• Q: Can I cook these ribs in the oven instead of a grill?You can indeed bake them in an oven that has been preheated to 300°F (150°C) for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Q: Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?A: Just replace the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
• Q: How should the ribs be stored if there are leftovers?A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 3 days; otherwise, pop it in the freezer, where it will be safe for up to 3 months.

Honey Soy Ribs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as gluten-free substitutes for soy sauce.
Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey.
Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. This is a 1:1 substitution.
You can substitute sesame oil with olive oil or peanut oil, but you’ll get a somewhat different flavor.
Substitute for brown sugar: white sugar with a bit of molasses; alternative: coconut sugar.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate Longer for More Flavor For the best flavor, consider marinating the ribs for up to 24 hours. This allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavorful and tender ribs.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients Opt for fresh garlic and ginger, as they provide a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered alternatives, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

3. Adjust Spice Level If you prefer spicier ribs, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a chopped fresh chili to the marinade. Conversely, if you like it milder, skip the chili flakes entirely.

4. Monitor Broiling Closely When using the broiler for extra caramelization, keep a close eye on the ribs to prevent burning. The broiler can quickly turn the sugar in the marinade too dark if left unattended.

5. Rest Before Slicing Allowing the ribs to rest for at least 5 minutes after removing them from the oven helps retain their juices, making for juicier and more tender meat when served.