Easy Grilled Honey-Garlic Ribs

These easy grilled honey-garlic ribs are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Coated in a rich honey-garlic glaze, these tender ribs are grilled to perfection, making them an irresistible dish for BBQ lovers. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor – A delicious combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and smoky grilled goodness.
• Perfectly Tender – Slow-cooked on the grill for juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
• Easy to Make – Simple prep with minimal ingredients for maximum taste.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for BBQ parties, family dinners, or weekend cookouts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil

For the Honey-Garlic Glaze:

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ribs – Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness. Pat dry and rub with olive oil.
2. Season – Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the seasoning evenly over the ribs.
3. Preheat the Grill – Heat the grill to medium (about 300°F). Use indirect heat by placing the coals on one side or turning off one burner on a gas grill.
4. Grill the Ribs – Place the ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping occasionally.
5. Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
6. Glaze & Finish Cooking – In the last 20 minutes, brush the ribs generously with the honey-garlic glaze, flipping and basting occasionally.
7. Rest & Serve – Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Ribs – Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
• Oven-Baked Option – Bake at 300°F for 2.5 hours, then broil for 5 minutes with the glaze.
• Smokier Flavor – Add wood chips to the grill for an extra smoky taste.
• Different Meats – Use the same glaze on chicken wings or pork chops.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat – Warm in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes or on the grill over low heat.

FAQs

How do I make sure my ribs are tender?

Cooking low and slow on indirect heat helps break down the meat, making it tender.

Can I marinate the ribs overnight?

Yes! Marinating enhances the flavor and makes the ribs even more tender.

What’s the best type of ribs for grilling?

Baby back ribs cook faster and are more tender, while spare ribs have more meat and flavor.

Can I use bottled honey-garlic sauce?

Yes, but making your own sauce allows you to control the sweetness and garlic intensity.

What’s the best way to remove the membrane from ribs?

Use a knife to loosen the membrane on the back of the ribs, then grip it with a paper towel and peel it off.

Can I cook these ribs in the oven instead?

Yes! Bake at 300°F for 2.5 hours, then broil with the glaze for a crispy finish.

How do I prevent ribs from burning?

Keep them over indirect heat and baste with the glaze in the final minutes to prevent burning.

What sides go well with honey-garlic ribs?

Coleslaw, grilled corn, mac and cheese, or baked beans pair perfectly.

Can I use boneless ribs?

Yes, boneless pork ribs will cook faster and absorb the glaze well.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

They should be tender and pull away slightly from the bone. A meat thermometer should read 190-200°F.

Conclusion

These easy grilled honey-garlic ribs are a must-try for any BBQ lover. With a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Fire up the grill and enjoy these finger-licking ribs at your next cookout!

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