Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with Sesame Seeds Recipe

Few dishes can make mouths water quite like a platter of sticky ribs, especially when they’re coated in a glossy, garlicky glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with Sesame Seeds combine the best of everything: tenderness from slow cooking, richness from soy and sesame oil, and sweetness from golden honey. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating that signature sticky texture that clings to every rib.

This recipe is a favorite not only because it’s indulgent and flavorful, but also because it’s adaptable. You can use beef or lamb ribs (keeping it halal-friendly), chicken if you prefer lighter meat, or even adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste. The result is always a dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with Sesame Seeds: from ingredients and preparation, to cooking methods, pro tips, serving ideas, and creative variations. Whether you’re a home cook looking to master ribs for the first time or an experienced food enthusiast seeking a new crowd-pleaser, this guide has you covered.

Why Choose Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with Sesame Seeds?

• Irresistible glaze: The honey garlic sauce hits the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic.
• Tender texture: Slow roasting ensures the ribs practically fall off the bone.
• Simple yet impressive: The steps are straightforward, but the presentation feels restaurant-worthy.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels, switch up the protein, or even prepare in an air fryer.
• Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for dinner parties, game nights, or weekend meals with family.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with Sesame Seeds, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh aromatics. Here’s a detailed look at each component.

For the Ribs

• 1.5–2 kg beef ribs (or lamb ribs): Choose meaty ribs with some marbling for the best flavor.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
• 1 tsp black pepper: Adds depth and mild heat.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness that complements the glaze.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes browning.

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• ½ cup honey: The backbone of the glaze, creating stickiness and sweetness.
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Balances sweetness with umami richness.
• 3 tbsp brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps the glaze thicken.
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): A touch of acidity brightens the flavor.
• 1 tbsp sesame oil: Nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with sesame seeds.
• 6 cloves garlic (finely minced): Bold and aromatic, garlic is the star of this glaze.
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated): Adds warmth and complexity.
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a mild kick of heat.
• 2 tbsp water + 1 tsp cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the glaze to a glossy finish.

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted): Adds crunch and nuttiness.
• 2 stalks green onions (thinly sliced): A fresh pop of color and mild sharpness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with Sesame Seeds is a process of building layers of flavor. Follow these steps for perfect results.

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Step 1: Prepare and Season the Ribs

Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Rub with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Let them rest for 15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the seasoning.

💡 Pro Tip: Patting dry ensures better caramelization later.

Step 2: Slow Roast for Tenderness

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place ribs on a foil-lined baking tray, cover tightly with foil, and roast for about 2 hours. The slow heat breaks down collagen, leaving the meat tender and juicy.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra tenderness, marinate the ribs overnight with the dry seasoning.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

While the ribs roast, prepare the glaze. Combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a saucepan. Simmer on medium heat for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly. Add the cornstarch slurry if you prefer a stickier glaze.

💡 Pro Tip: Taste the glaze before finishing. Adjust honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.

Step 4: Glaze and Caramelize

Remove the ribs from the oven and increase the temperature to 220°C (425°F). Brush the ribs generously with glaze and roast uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the sauce caramelizes into a sticky coating.

💡 Pro Tip: Brush once halfway through to build up a thicker layer of glaze.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions to finish.

Tips for Success

• Choose quality ribs: Meaty ribs with marbling yield better results than lean cuts.
• Don’t rush the slow roast: This is key to tenderness.
• Toast the sesame seeds: A quick toast in a dry pan intensifies their nutty flavor.
• Use a basting brush: Ensures even coverage of glaze.
• Resting is crucial: Keeps the juices inside the meat instead of spilling out.

Variations

• Chicken Wings or Drumsticks: Great for party finger food. Roast for 45–50 minutes instead of 2 hours.
• Grilled Version: Grill over indirect heat until tender, then finish with glaze over direct heat.
• Air Fryer Version: Cook ribs at 160°C (320°F) for 45 minutes, glaze, then air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 8–10 minutes.
• Spicy Asian Twist: Add gochujang or sriracha for extra heat.
• Citrus Glaze: Add orange juice or zest for brightness.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice balances the sticky glaze.
• With Noodles: Pair with sesame noodles or lo mein for an Asian-inspired meal.
• With Vegetables: Stir-fried bok choy, broccoli, or bell peppers add freshness.
• As Party Food: Cut into smaller portions for easy finger food.
• With Salad: A crisp cabbage slaw provides crunch and acidity.

Storage and Make-Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
• Make-Ahead: Roast ribs in advance, then glaze and caramelize just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with Sesame Seeds are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With their glossy glaze, tender texture, and nutty sesame topping, they’re as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, these ribs deliver every time.

Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again—experimenting with variations, serving them in new ways, and sharing them with friends and family who will be asking for the recipe.

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Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with Sesame Seeds Recipe

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Cooking Method: Air Fryer, Grilling, Roasting Cuisine: Asian Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 2 hrs Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 160  C Servings: 4 Best Season: All Seasons

Description

Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs with Sesame Seeds are tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, these ribs are perfect for family dinners, parties, or weekend gatherings. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures fall-off-the-bone meat with a glossy, sticky finish that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Ribs

• 1.5–2 kg beef ribs (or lamb ribs)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• 0.5 cup honey (runny)
• 0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 6 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp water + 1 tsp cornstarch (slurry, for thickening if needed)

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
• 2 stalks green onions (sliced thinly)

Instructions

Prepare and Season the Ribs

1. Rub ribs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and olive oil. This helps lock in flavor and gives them a smoky, savory base before glazing. Let them rest for 15 minutes while preheating the oven.

Slow Roast the Ribs

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Place seasoned ribs on a lined baking tray, cover with foil, and roast for 2 hours. This low-and-slow method ensures tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone.

Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

1. While ribs are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If you want a stickier glaze, add the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 more minutes until glossy.

Glaze and Caramelize

1. Remove ribs from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 220°C. Brush ribs generously with the honey garlic glaze. Return to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and ribs are sticky and golden.

Rest and Garnish

1. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Note

Meat Options: Beef or lamb ribs work best for a halal-friendly recipe. If using chicken wings or drumsticks, reduce roasting time to 45–50 minutes.

Make Ahead: You can roast the ribs ahead, store in the fridge, and glaze them right before serving.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Spicy Kick: Add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for extra heat.

Keywords: sticky ribs, honey garlic ribs, sesame ribs, glazed beef ribs