Crispy Honey Garlic Ribs (Delicious Bite-Sized Ribs)

All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious  honey garlic ribs recipe at home.

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

• Side Ribs (spare ribs): These are the star of our recipe. I used side ribs (spare ribs) and asked the butcher to cut them lengthwise 2 inches thick. They are also called riblets in the stores as well.
• Honey: Drizzled on at the end, honey adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly compliments the savory flavors of the ribs. It also gives the ribs a delicious, sticky glaze. 
• Garlic Cloves: These are used as a crispy topping to add a burst of garlic flavor with every bite.

For the Rib Marinade:

• Garlic: Garlic is also used in the marinade to infuse the pork ribs with its flavor from the inside out.
• Fish Sauce: This adds a savory, umami depth to the marinade, balancing out the sweetness of the honey. If you can't get it locally, you can substitute it with soy sauce.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar in the marinade helps to balance the flavors and enhance the browning of the ribs.
• Rice Vinegar: The acidity in the vinegar tenderizes the ribs and adds a subtle tang to balance the overall taste. It will be available at an Asian grocery store but you can also substitute white wine vinegar for it as well.
• Corn Starch: This creates a light batter after, which when fried, gives the ribs a deliciously crispy exterior.

Making this incredible honey garlic ribs recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

Preparation

Prepare the Garlic: Start by peeling and finely mincing the garlic. Using a small food processor can make this step quicker. Once done, set the garlic aside for later use.

Marinate the Ribs

Prepare the Ribs: Cut the rack of ribs into individual pieces by cutting between the bones. Place these pieces into a large bowl.

Marinate the Ribs: Add all the ingredients from the marinade ingredient list to the bowl, except the the corn starch. Mix well and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, but overnight would make it taste better.

Add Corn Starch: After the ribs are done marinating, add in the cornstarch to the ribs, and make sure to coat each piece well. This will create a semi-dry coating on the ribs.

Heat the Oil: In a high wall pot, add about two inches of oil and set the stove to medium heat. To test if the oil is hot, add a few bits of garlic to see if it starts to sizzle.

Fry the Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and keep stirring every few seconds so it doesn't burn. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes. (Garlic burns easily especially garlic closer to the hot edges of the pan, keep an eye on it!)

Remove the Garlic: Once the garlic is a golden yellow, remove the garlic by pouring it out into a strainer or using a strainer to scoop it out. The garlic will continue to cook and brown. (Reserve the garlicky oil for deep frying the ribs.) Set the crispy garlic aside for later.

Deep Fry the Ribs: Pour the garlicky oil back into the pot and bring it back to temperature on medium heat. Cook the ribs in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Each batch should take about four to six minutes. Once all the ribs are cooked, set them on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.

Final Touches: Drizzle honey generously over the ribs and toss it so that each rib piece is coated and sprinkle some of the crispy garlic on top. The crispy garlic will stick to the sticky honey.

Serve: Your honey garlic ribs are now ready to be enjoyed! They taste best when served piping hot or warm, and are especially delicious when freshly made.

This delicious honey garlic ribs recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

• Make it Spicier: Spice lovers, this one's for you. Add a teaspoon of chili powder or finely chopped fresh chili into the marinade. This will give your honey garlic ribs a nice kick of heat that complements the sweet and garlicky flavors perfectly.
• Try it Smoky: For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the marinade. This will give your ribs a subtle smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and garlicky honey sauce.

Got some leftover honey garlic ribs from that delicious recipe you tried last night? Fret not, because I've got you covered with some easy and efficient storage tips.

First off, let your pork ribs cool down before storing them. Once they're at room temperature, transfer the individual pieces into an airtight container. This will help keep the ribs moist and prevent them from drying out.

If you're planning to have the ribs within the next three days, go ahead and pop that airtight container right into your fridge. Don't forget - cold ribs are best reheated slowly to keep them bone tender. 

Preheat your oven to a low temperature, place the ribs on a baking sheet covered with foil, and let them warm up slowly.

While you can technically freeze them, I don’t recommend it since they won’t be as crisp and delicious. They’re best consumed fresh! 

If you made this honey garlic ribs recipe, I want to see! Follow Pups with Chopsticks on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag and hashtag it with @pupswithchopsticks and #pupswithchopsticks. I love to know what you are making!

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