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Sticky Garlic Soy Glazed Ribs

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3.8 from 54 reviews

These Sticky Garlic Soy-Glazed Ribs take classic ribs to a new level with a slow roasting technique for tender, juicy meat, topped with a luscious garlic-soy glaze featuring brown sugar, ginger, and a hint of spice. Finished under the broiler for a perfect caramelized, sticky sheen, these ribs deliver irresistible savory-sweet flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, ideal for an elegant main dish served with jasmine rice and steamed greens.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ribs

  • 2 racks pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Sticky Garlic Glaze

  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

Finishing Touch

  • Sesame seeds
  • Thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ribs: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat ribs dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil to seal in moisture and place on a baking sheet.
  2. Slow Roast: Place the foil-wrapped ribs in the preheated oven and bake for 2½ to 3 hours until the ribs are tender but still hold together and are not falling apart. This slow roasting method ensures juicy, tender meat while retaining structure.
  3. Make the Sticky Garlic Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to blend the flavors. Meanwhile, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the glaze thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
  4. Glaze + Broil: Carefully remove the ribs from the foil and place them on a broiler-safe pan or rack. Generously brush the ribs all over with the sticky garlic glaze. Place under the preheated broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze caramelizes and creates a shiny lacquered finish. Remove, brush with extra glaze once more for added shine and flavor, and return briefly under the broiler if desired.
  5. Plate Neatly: Slice the glazed ribs into individual portions along the bone. Arrange the ribs on a serving platter and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for that final elegant touch.

Notes

  • Slow roasting guarantees tender ribs while broiling creates a beautiful caramelized finish.
  • Adding honey in the final minute of broiling intensifies caramelization and stickiness.
  • For a spicy variation, stir in 1–2 tsp chili crisp into the glaze before simmering.
  • Leftover ribs reheat excellently in an air fryer to restore a crisp edge.