sweet sticky ribs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best sweet sticky ribs recipe

I’ve always been a fan of sweet and sticky ribs, and this recipe is one of my favorites. It’s a classic American dish with a sweet and tangy flavor profile that’s perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.

The key to making great ribs is to slow cook them in a sweet and sticky sauce, which I achieve by using a combination of brown sugar, honey, and spices. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

My kids love helping me prepare the ribs, and they always ask for seconds when we have them for dinner. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s relatively healthy compared to other BBQ sauces, thanks to the use of honey instead of refined sugar. Plus, the slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissue in the meat, making it fall-off-the-bone tender without the need for excessive cooking time or added fats.

Sweet Sticky Ribs

4.9 from 810 votes

Tender pork ribs coated in a sweet and sticky glaze, slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ribs

2 racks pork baby back ribs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Glaze

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
3Season both sides of the ribs with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
4Place the ribs meaty side up in a baking dish.
5Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours.
6The ribs should be tender and easily pull apart.
7While the ribs are cooking, prepare the glaze.
8In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic.
9Stir well to combine.
10Bring the glaze to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
11The glaze will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together.
12After the ribs have cooked for 2 hours, remove the foil and brush the glaze generously over the ribs.
13Increase the oven temperature to 350°F and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
14The glaze should be caramelized and sticky.
15Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
16This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
17Slice the ribs into individual pieces and serve them with the remaining glaze for dipping.
18The ribs should be tender, juicy and coated in a sweet sticky glaze.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the glaze. Serve with coleslaw and corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Sweet Sticky Ribs Works

This sweet sticky ribs recipe is perfect for any occasion and works well for family gatherings or casual dinner parties. The key to making great ribs is to slow cook them in a sweet and sticky sauce, which I achieve by using a combination of brown sugar, honey, and spices.

The result is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s relatively healthy compared to other BBQ sauces, thanks to the use of honey instead of refined sugar.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Sticky Ribs

Q: What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

This recipe works best with pork ribs, either baby back ribs or St. Louis-style pork spareribs.

Q: Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?

While you can use beef ribs in a pinch, they will not have the same tender texture as pork ribs.

Q: How long do I need to cook the ribs before applying the sweet sticky sauce?

You should cook the ribs for at least 2 hours before applying the sauce to ensure that they are tender and fall-off-the-bone.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply cook the ribs on low for 6-8 hours before applying the sweet sticky sauce.

Q: What if I don’t have honey? Can I substitute it with another sweetener?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you don’t have honey on hand.

Similar Posts