Preparing the Ribs:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare the Ribs: Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for more tender meat.
- Season the Ribs: In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Wrap in Foil: Place the ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil. Wrap them tightly, creating a sealed packet. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet.
- Bake the Ribs: Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil (if using), ground ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Finishing the Ribs:
- Unwrap and Sauce the Ribs: Once the ribs are done baking, carefully unwrap them and discard the foil. Brush the honey garlic sauce generously over both sides of the ribs.
- Broil the Ribs: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the sauced ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Broil the ribs for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Rest the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serving:
- Garnish: Sprinkle the ribs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve Warm: Serve the honey garlic ribs warm with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Ribs:
- Low and Slow: Cooking the ribs at a low temperature for a long time ensures they are tender and juicy.
- Remove the Silver Skin: Removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs allows the flavors to penetrate better and makes the ribs more tender.
- Keep an Eye on the Broiler: When broiling the ribs, watch them closely to avoid burning the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Tender and Flavorful: These ribs are incredibly tender, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Impressive Presentation: Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, these ribs look as good as they taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results.
Enjoy your Honey Garlic Ribs as a finger-licking good meal that’s sure to become a favorite!