1. Prepare the Ribs
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove Membrane: If the ribs have a membrane on the back, remove it by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off. This will help the ribs become more tender.
- Season Ribs: Rub the ribs with olive oil, then season evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook the Ribs
- Wrap Ribs: Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil. Wrap the ribs tightly, making sure there are no openings.
- Bake: Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bones.
3. Prepare the Sticky Glaze
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly. Remove from heat.
4. Glaze and Broil
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat your broiler to high.
- Unwrap Ribs: Carefully remove the ribs from the foil and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush with Glaze: Brush a generous amount of the sticky glaze over the ribs.
- Broil: Place the ribs under the broiler and cook for 2-5 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. You may need to flip the ribs and brush more glaze on the other side.
5. Serve
- Slice Ribs: Once the glaze is sticky and caramelized, remove the ribs from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
- Enjoy: Serve the sticky ribs with additional glaze on the side, and enjoy with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Tender Ribs: Baking the ribs slowly at a low temperature helps to make them tender and fall-off-the-bone. The foil wrapping helps to keep them moist.
- Glaze Consistency: If the glaze gets too thick, you can thin it with a little water or additional vinegar.
- Broiling: Be cautious when broiling as the glaze can burn quickly. Watch closely and turn the ribs if necessary to ensure even caramelization.
Variations
- Spicy Glaze: Add extra hot sauce or more red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicier kick.
- Sweet and Tangy: Adjust the balance of honey and vinegar in the glaze to suit your taste preferences.
- Slow Cooker: For a different cooking method, you can use a slow cooker. Cook the seasoned ribs on low for 6-8 hours, then glaze and broil as directed.
Conclusion
These Sticky Pork Ribs are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy, with a rich and caramelized glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a barbecue or enjoying a special meal at home, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy these deliciously sticky ribs with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal!