These slow cooker honey garlic soy spare ribs are exactly the kind of meal you need: tender, sticky, sweet, and savory all at once. And the best part? They only take about 5 minutes of prep time before your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty dinner without standing over the stove for hours.

This recipe uses a simple but flavor-packed combo of garlic, honey, and two kinds of soy sauce (dark and sweet) that creates a rich, sticky glaze. Add a touch of paprika, onion powder, and cumin, and suddenly you’ve got ribs that taste like they came straight from your favorite restaurant, but with a lot less effort. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, these ribs will definitely be the star of the table.

Why You’ll Love These Ribs

Minimal prep: Just 5 minutes and the slow cooker takes care of the rest.
Fall-off-the-bone tender: Low and slow cooking makes the ribs melt-in-your-mouth good.
Big flavor, simple ingredients: Pantry staples like honey, garlic, and soy sauce turn into something extraordinary.
Perfect for small gatherings: This recipe serves 2–3, but can easily be doubled for more people.

Ingredients:

1 rack of baby back ribs
4 cloves of garlic (minced)
¼ cup dark soy sauce
¼ cup sweet soy sauce
¼ cup raw honey
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika powder
½ tsp cumin

Instructions

1. Prep the ribs: In a small bowl, mix the onion powder, paprika, and cumin. Rub this spice mix evenly over both sides of the ribs.

2. Make the marinade: Mince the garlic and combine it with the dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and honey. Stir well until everything is blended.

3. Coat the ribs: Brush the marinade generously over the ribs, setting aside a little extra marinade for later.

4. Slow cook: Cut the rack of ribs in half so they fit into your slow cooker. Place them inside and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.

5. Baste as they cook: Every hour or so, brush the ribs with some of the remaining marinade for that sticky, glossy finish.

6. Serve and enjoy: Once done, the ribs should be tender enough to fall off the bone. Serve them hot with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best Ribs

Line your slow cooker: If you want easier cleanup, line the base with foil before adding the ribs.
Crispy finish: Want that caramelized BBQ look? Pop the ribs under the broiler for 5 minutes after slow cooking to get a sticky, slightly charred glaze.
Double the recipe: Cooking for a crowd? Just double everything and stack the rib halves in the slow cooker. They’ll still come out tender and delicious.
Adjust the sweetness: If you like your ribs less sweet, use a little less honey or balance it out with a splash of rice vinegar.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Soy Ribs

These ribs are the star, but they love some tasty sidekicks. Try pairing them with:

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus – savory crisp and a pop of green, so good with sticky ribs!
Air Fryer Roasted Carrots – so quick and easy.
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread – because who can resist garlic bread with sticky ribs?

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-ahead: You can prep the dry rub and marinade the night before. Just pop the ribs in the fridge overnight, then transfer straight to the slow cooker the next day.
Leftovers: Store ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Freezer-friendly: You can freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months. Just thaw and warm them in the oven.

These slow cooker honey garlic soy spare ribs are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples and almost no effort, you’ll have a meal that feels extra special. The ribs are juicy, flavorful, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy (and probably a little sticky!).

So next time you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to fuss in the kitchen all day, pull out your slow cooker and give these ribs a try. Your family will thank you!

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