Sticky Garlic Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce
Tender pork ribs are gently simmered with garlic, onion and bay leaves, then brushed with a sweet and savoury homemade barbecue sauce and baked until sticky and caramelized.
Prep time
15 min
Cook time
65–85 min
Serves
Ingredients
▼
Ribs
- 1 rackpork back ribs, about 2½–3 lbs
- 5 clovesgarlic, smashed
- ½onion
- 2bay leaves
- 2 tbspsoy sauce
- black peppercorns
- water, enough to cover the ribs
Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 cupketchup
- ¼ cupbrown sugar
- 3 tbspsoy sauce
- 2 tbspapple cider vinegar
- 1 tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 1 tbspDijon mustard
- 1 tbsphoney
- 3 clovesgarlic, finely minced or grated
- smoked paprika
- onion powder
- black pepper
- salt
Ingredients
Ribs
- 1 rackpork back ribs, about 2½–3 lbs
- 5 clovesgarlic, smashed
- ½onion
- 2bay leaves
- 2 tbspsoy sauce
- black peppercorns
- water, enough to cover the ribs
Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 cupketchup
- ¼ cupbrown sugar
- 3 tbspsoy sauce
- 2 tbspapple cider vinegar
- 1 tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 1 tbspDijon mustard
- 1 tbsphoney
- 3 clovesgarlic, finely minced or grated
- smoked paprika
- onion powder
- black pepper
- salt
Instructions
Simmer the Ribs
- 1
Place the ribs in a large pot and add the garlic, onion, bay leaves, soy sauce and peppercorns. Add enough water to cover the ribs.
- 2
Bring just to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 45–60 minutes, until the ribs are tender but still hold together. You don't want them falling off the bone at this stage.
Make the BBQ Sauce
- 1
While the ribs simmer, combine all of the barbecue sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Bake
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- 2
Carefully remove the ribs from the simmering liquid and pat them dry. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and generously brush with barbecue sauce.
- 3
Bake for 10 minutes, brush with another layer of sauce, then return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- 4
For an extra sticky finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely so the sauce doesn't burn.
To Serve
- 1
Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes, then slice between the bones and serve with extra barbecue sauce.
Melissa's Notes
Simmering the ribs before baking is the secret to getting them tender without a long oven roast. The simmer liquid is flavourful but is discarded after — it's just for cooking.
Don't skip patting the ribs dry before saucing. It helps the BBQ sauce cling and caramelize beautifully rather than sliding off.
The broil step at the end is optional but highly recommended for that extra sticky, lacquered finish. Just keep a close eye — the sugars in the sauce can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.
Leftover ribs reheat beautifully. Cover loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water.
Nutrition Information
Per serving
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Join the Nest
Get 10 free recipes — sign up for The Cozy Weeknight Dinner Plan.
Want to save this recipe? Print it out, share with a friend, or follow along on social.