Sticky ribs are the ultimate comfort food—tender, fall-off-the-bone meat glazed in a sweet and savory sauce that sticks to every bite. This recipe ensures your ribs are perfectly cooked with a caramelized, sticky coating that’s irresistibly delicious. Whether cooked in the oven or on the grill, the ribs are slowly cooked to become tender and juicy, and the sticky sauce adds a burst of flavor that is both tangy and sweet. These sticky ribs are ideal for a weekend BBQ, a special dinner, or any time you want a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 3-4 lbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sticky Sauce:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven or Grill: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), or prepare your grill for indirect heat if you’re grilling.
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the silver skin (the thin membrane) from the back of the ribs for better texture. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then rub them with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Ribs (Oven Method): Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the ribs with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender. Uncover the ribs and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to let the surface dry out slightly.
Grill Method: If grilling, set up the grill for indirect heat and cook the ribs over low heat for 2-2.5 hours, flipping once halfway through. Make sure the grill maintains a temperature of around 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare the Sticky Sauce: While the ribs cook, make the sticky sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.
- Glaze the Ribs: When the ribs are done, brush a generous amount of the sticky sauce over the ribs. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes in the oven (or on the grill) to allow the sauce to caramelize and become sticky.
- Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven or grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with any remaining sticky sauce on the side for extra flavor.
These sticky ribs are packed with mouthwatering flavor from the caramelized sauce and tender meat. With each bite, you get a perfect balance of sweetness, savory goodness, and a touch of spice, making them a true crowd favorite at any meal.
