Pork ribs in honey mustard sauce are a deliciously sweet, tangy, and savory dish, perfect for grilling or baking. The combination of honey and mustard gives the ribs a rich flavor that balances sweetness with a bit of bite from the mustard. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow to make juicy pork ribs with a honey mustard glaze.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
- Olive oil (optional for rubbing)
For the honey mustard sauce:
- 1/2 cup mustard (Dijon or yellow mustard)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for umami)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smokiness)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) or set up your grill for indirect heat.
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness (use a knife to lift it, then peel it off).
- Rub the ribs with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil (optional).
2. Slow Cook the Ribs:
- Wrap the ribs in foil to retain moisture and cook them low and slow.
- Place the ribs in the oven or on the grill, meat side up, and bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is tender but not falling off the bone.
3. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- While the ribs are cooking, prepare the honey mustard sauce.
- In a bowl, whisk together mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, paprika, chili flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
- Adjust the sweetness or tang by adding more honey or vinegar to taste.
4. Glaze the Ribs:
- After the ribs have cooked for 2-2.5 hours, remove them from the oven or grill, and unwrap them.
- Generously brush the ribs with the honey mustard sauce on both sides.
5. Finish the Ribs:
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), or move the ribs to direct heat on the grill.
- Cook the ribs uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, brushing with more sauce halfway through, until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized.
6. Serve:
- Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes, then cut between the bones to serve.
- Serve with extra honey mustard sauce on the side, along with sides like coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or grilled veggies.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the ribs in the honey mustard sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- For a smoky flavor: Use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your gas grill while cooking the ribs.
- For fall-off-the-bone tenderness: Increase the cooking time at low heat (300°F) by another 30 minutes to an hour.
Enjoy these sweet, tangy, and succulent pork ribs! Would you like any additional suggestions, like side dishes or cooking techniques?
