Honey BBQ Riblets
These Honey BBQ Riblets are tender and juicy, coated in a rich, sticky, caramelized sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and smoky.
Made with simple pantry ingredients and baked until fork-tender, this easy oven recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
For more delicious BBQ flavors from our recipe box, check out these crockpot BBQ beef ribs and slow cooker BBQ beef sandwiches.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and smoky homemade BBQ glaze
- Fork-tender pork every time
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Family-friendly meal
- Perfect over rice or mashed potatoes
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
If you enjoy easy comfort food recipes, be sure to check out other reader favorites over at Maria’s Mixing Bowl for even more delicious inspiration. These delicious side dishes are a great place to start.
Key Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Boneless Pork Ribs: They provide the main flavor, texture, and hearty bite. Everything else enhances the pork.
- BBQ Sauce: Forms the base of the glaze. It brings sweetness, tang, and seasoning while helping coat and caramelize the pork.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy finish as it cooks.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness and encourages caramelization, giving the ribs a rich, slightly molasses-like flavor.
- Liquid Smoke: Boosts the smoky flavor, especially important if the ribs aren’t being cooked on a grill or smoker.
Variations
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
- BBQ Sauce: Use different varieties for different flavor profiles.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in pineapple chunks for a sweet-tangy twist.
- Slow Cooker Version: Combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours for ultra-tender results.
- Make it a Bowl: Serve over rice with corn, coleslaw, and extra BBQ drizzle for a hearty dinner bowl.
How to Make Honey BBQ Riblets
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Combine all the ingredients and mix well. Then, pour into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F until the pork is fork-tender and caramelized. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Cut pork into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- For extra caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor profile.
- Let the riblets rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Honey BBQ Riblets FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Yes, but cooking time may increase. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F, and the meat is tender.
Yes! Bake first until tender, then finish on the grill for a few minutes to add char and smoky flavor.
Absolutely. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or until fork-tender. For a thicker glaze, transfer to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes at the end.
Use your favorite brand or flavor. Sweet, smoky, or even spicy BBQ sauces all work well in this recipe and will slightly change the flavor profile.
Store cooled riblets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Yes. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Honey BBQ Riblets
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork ribs cut into bite size pieces
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the pork pieces, bbq sauce, brown sugar, honey, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, black pepper, garlic salt, onion powder and smoked paprika until everything is coated well.
- Pour the riblets into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Bake in 350 degree oven for 45-60 minutes or until the pork is fork tender and the sauce is glazy and caramelized.
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use your favorite bbq sauce.
- You can add some cayenne, hot sauce or red pepper flake for a spicy kick.
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
