Southern BBQ Ribs with Honey Garlic Sauce
Introduction
Southern BBQ ribs are a classic dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. With tender meat that falls off the bone and a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, these ribs are perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or just a cozy dinner at home.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for Southern BBQ ribs is simple and rewarding. You’ll impress your friends and family with tender, flavorful ribs that are smothered in a homemade honey garlic sauce. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.
How to Make Southern BBQ Ribs with Honey Garlic Sauce
Follow these steps to create juicy, flavorful Southern BBQ ribs that are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Rub the ribs with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat.
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the ribs tightly with another piece of foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender.
- While the ribs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in ground black pepper.
- Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the ribs generously with the honey garlic sauce. Grill the ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the sauce caramelizes and they develop beautiful grill marks.
- Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, then cut into portions and serve with extra sauce on the side.
How to Serve Southern BBQ Ribs
Serve your Southern BBQ ribs hot off the grill with a side of coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. Don’t forget to offer extra honey garlic sauce for dipping!
How to Store Southern BBQ Ribs
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the ribs for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before reheating.
Tips to Make Southern BBQ Ribs
- Make sure to remove the membrane from the ribs; this helps them cook more evenly.
- You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more spices if you like it spicy!
- If you don’t have a grill, you can finish the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Variation
You can replace the honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices in the rub!
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ribs in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook the ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours before finishing them on the grill with the sauce.
Q: Is the honey garlic sauce too sweet?
A: The sauce balances sweet and savory flavors, but you can reduce the honey if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
Q: Can I use a different cut of ribs?
A: Yes, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs; just adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may take longer to become tender.
Enjoy cooking and savoring these delicious Southern BBQ ribs with honey garlic sauce!
