Honey Garlic Grilled Ribs: The Ultimate Summer BBQ Recipe

Cheeseburger lettuce wraps: the guilt-free indulgence you’ve been craving! Forget the bun, and say hello to a lighter, brighter way to enjoy the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger. Are you ready to ditch the carbs without sacrificing any of the deliciousness? I know I am!

While the exact origins of the cheeseburger are debated (several restaurants lay claim to its invention in the early 20th century), its popularity is undeniable. It’s a symbol of American comfort food, a staple at backyard barbecues, and a quick, satisfying meal for busy weeknights. But let’s face it, sometimes we want that familiar taste without the heavy feeling that can follow. That’s where the magic of cheeseburger lettuce wraps comes in.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to customize. Use your favorite ground meat, cheese, and toppings. Second, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies. The crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the savory burger filling. And finally, it’s simply delicious! The combination of seasoned ground meat, melted cheese, and your favorite burger fixings, all nestled in a cool, crisp lettuce cup, is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds: the satisfying taste of a cheeseburger with a healthy twist!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Ribs:
• 3-4 pounds pork spareribs or baby back ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Optional Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Preparing the Ribs:

1. Prepare the Ribs: First things first, let’s get those ribs ready for some serious flavor! Take your ribs out of the packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a nice crust when grilling.
2. Remove the Membrane: This is a crucial step for tender ribs. Flip the ribs over so the bone side is facing up. You’ll see a thin, silvery membrane covering the bones. Use a butter knife or a spoon to loosen the membrane at one end. Then, grab it with a paper towel (this helps with grip) and pull it off. It might take a bit of effort, but trust me, it’s worth it! Removing the membrane allows the smoke and flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
3. Season the Ribs: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well. Now, generously rub this spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides. Don’t be shy! The more seasoning, the more flavor.
4. Let the Ribs Rest: After seasoning, wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and penetrate the meat. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference.

Making the Honey Garlic Sauce:

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can become too thick.
4. Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. If you want more tang, add a splash more rice vinegar. If you like it spicier, add a pinch more red pepper flakes.
5. Set Aside: Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside. We’ll be using it later to baste the ribs while they’re grilling.

Grilling the Ribs:

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side of the grill to create a direct heat zone and an indirect heat zone. If you’re using a gas grill, turn off one or two burners to create an indirect heat zone.
2. Sear the Ribs (Optional): For extra flavor and a nice sear, you can sear the ribs over direct heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional, but it adds a delicious crust to the ribs. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Grill the Ribs Indirectly: Place the ribs on the indirect heat side of the grill, bone side down. Close the lid and let them cook for about 2-2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Maintain a consistent temperature in the grill.
4. Baste with Honey Garlic Sauce: During the last 30-45 minutes of grilling, start basting the ribs with the honey garlic sauce. Brush the sauce generously over both sides of the ribs every 10-15 minutes. This will create a beautiful, sticky glaze.
5. Check for Doneness: To check if the ribs are done, use a fork or a toothpick to poke the meat between the bones. If the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone, the ribs are ready. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature for ribs is around 190-203°F (88-95°C).
6. Rest the Ribs: Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in even more tender and flavorful ribs. Tent them loosely with foil while they rest.

Serving the Ribs:

1. Slice the Ribs: After resting, slice the ribs between the bones. You can slice them into individual ribs or into larger portions, depending on your preference.
2. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the sliced ribs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the honey garlic grilled ribs immediately and enjoy! They’re delicious on their own or with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Grilled Ribs:

• Don’t skip the membrane removal: It really makes a difference in the tenderness of the ribs.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce: This helps prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.
• Don’t overcook the sauce: Overcooking can make the sauce too thick and sticky.
• Maintain a consistent temperature on the grill: This is key to cooking the ribs evenly.
• Baste frequently during the last 30-45 minutes: This will create a beautiful, sticky glaze.
• Let the ribs rest before slicing: This allows the juices to redistribute and results in more tender ribs.

Variations:

• Spicy Honey Garlic Ribs: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick. You can also add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
• Smoked Honey Garlic Ribs: Use a smoker instead of a grill for a smoky flavor. Smoke the ribs at 225°F (107°C) for about 6-7 hours, or until tender.
• Oven-Baked Honey Garlic Ribs: If you don’t have a grill or smoker, you can bake the ribs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the ribs for about 2.5-3 hours, or until tender. Baste with the honey garlic sauce during the last 30-45 minutes of baking.
• Instant Pot Honey Garlic Ribs: For a quick and easy option, you can cook the ribs in an Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, place the ribs on a trivet, and cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes. Release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Baste with the honey garlic sauce and broil in the oven for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Grilled Ribs!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Honey Garlic Grilled Ribs are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors creates a symphony on your palate that you simply won’t forget. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves ribs, grilling, or just good food in general. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible taste makes it a winner every single time.

Why are these ribs a must-try? Because they deliver restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag or the complicated techniques. The honey garlic marinade is the star, penetrating deep into the meat to create a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful final product. Plus, the grilling process adds that irresistible smoky char that elevates these ribs to a whole new level. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging you to make them again and again.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations to suit your personal preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Sides: Serve these ribs with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans. For a lighter option, try a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a little extra kick.
* Herbaceous twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the marinade for a more complex flavor profile.
* Asian-inspired: Substitute soy sauce for some of the salt and add a touch of ginger and sesame oil to the marinade for an Asian-inspired twist.
* Glaze it: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the ribs with a honey-garlic glaze for an extra layer of sweetness and shine. You can make the glaze by reducing the marinade in a saucepan until it thickens.
* Slow Cooker Option: If grilling isn’t an option, you can also cook these ribs in a slow cooker. Simply place the ribs in the slow cooker, pour the marinade over them, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Finish them under the broiler for a few minutes to get that caramelized effect.

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love these Honey Garlic Grilled Ribs. They’re perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and unforgettable meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the best ribs you’ve ever tasted! I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Please, please, please try this recipe!

Once you’ve made them, be sure to come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what sides you served them with, and how much everyone enjoyed them. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy grilling! I’m excited to hear all about your Honey Garlic Grilled Ribs success!