If you are craving a finger-licking, melt-in-your-mouth dish that bursts with flavor, this Chinese Honey Soy Slow Cooker Spare Ribs Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the perfect balance of sweet honey and savory soy sauce with aromatic spices, slowly simmered to tender perfection in your slow cooker. The result is tender ribs with a sticky, caramelized glaze that will instantly become one of your go-to comfort foods for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chinese Honey Soy Slow Cooker Spare Ribs Recipe are simple yet oh-so-essential. Each one plays a distinct role in layering flavor, adding color, and creating that perfect sticky glaze that clings to every rib.
- 3 pounds St. Louis style spare ribs: These have just the right amount of meat and fat for an unbeatable tender bite.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the marinade.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds a lovely natural sweetness and helps with that beautiful caramelization.
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce: Brings a rich, slightly tangy depth with a hint of garlic and spices.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese five spice: A magical blend that infuses the ribs with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and contributes to the sticky texture.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers a subtle kick and balances the flavors.
- 5 cloves minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives a sharp, savory punch.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Adds brightness and a fragrant zing.
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): Gives the ribs an appetizing reddish hue, perfect for presentation.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the cooking liquid into a glossy glaze during the finishing step.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty crunch and pretty finish.
- Green onions (optional): Adds fresh color and a mild onion flavor when garnishing.
How to Make Chinese Honey Soy Slow Cooker Spare Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, Chinese five spice, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red food coloring if using, in a small bowl. This rich mix will be the heart of your ribs, infusing them with bold, sweet-savory flavor during the long slow cooker process.
Step 2: Cut the Ribs
Cut the ribs between every two bones so you have manageable portions. This helps the marinade soak in evenly and makes serving so much easier later on.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Place the ribs and all that wonderful marinade into an 8-quart slow cooker. Set it to low and let it cook for 6 hours. The slow cooker gently melts the meat from the bones while saturating it with the spicy-sweet sauce, resulting in tender, luscious ribs that practically fall apart.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
Once the ribs are cooked, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and arrange on a foil-lined sheet pan. In the slow cooker, toss the cornstarch into the remaining marinade and stir well; this will thicken into a sticky glaze. Baste the ribs liberally with this glaze to get them ready for the final caramelizing step.
Step 5: Broil for a Caramelized Finish
Place the glazed ribs under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them as the sugars caramelize, forming a glossy, slightly crispy coating that takes these ribs from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the ribs with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. This not only adds a wonderful crunch and fresh flavor but also makes your dish look like it just came out of a restaurant kitchen.
How to Serve Chinese Honey Soy Slow Cooker Spare Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions are classic garnishes that bring texture and color to your plate. They add a touch of nutty flavor and bright freshness that contrast beautifully with the sticky-sweet ribs.
Side Dishes
These ribs pair wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up that delicious glaze. For crunch and contrast, stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas work perfectly. If you prefer something heartier, garlic mashed potatoes are always a hit alongside these savory ribs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these ribs family-style on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and colorful sliced chilies for a pop of heat and vibrancy. You can also skewer smaller rib portions for party appetizers or wrap them in lettuce leaves with pickled veggies for a fresh, hand-held option everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your ribs, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing their flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover ribs by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. They will last up to 3 months frozen, making this recipe a fantastic candidate for meal prepping or saving for a busy night.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the ribs in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through, basting occasionally with any leftover glaze to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that tender, sticky finish.
FAQs
Can I use baby back ribs instead of St. Louis style ribs?
Absolutely! Baby back ribs work well too and tend to be a bit leaner. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook faster in the slow cooker.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
The red food coloring is entirely optional. It mainly enhances the visual appeal by giving the ribs a vibrant reddish tint but doesn’t affect flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chilies for extra heat if you prefer a spicier kick.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake the ribs covered in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 2-3 hours until tender, then finish under the broiler with the glaze. Slow cooking just makes the process super easy and hands-off.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone, which usually takes about 6 hours on low in the slow cooker.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about making this Chinese Honey Soy Slow Cooker Spare Ribs Recipe—it’s simple, fuss-free, and delivers such incredible flavor every time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, these sticky, tender ribs are sure to steal the show. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a favorite go-to meal that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Chinese Honey Soy Slow Cooker Spare Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
These Chinese Spare Ribs are tender, flavorful, and infused with a rich blend of soy sauce, honey, hoisin, and Chinese five spice. Slow-cooked for six hours and finished under the broiler, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with a beautiful caramelized glaze. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, they make a delicious appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ribs
- 3 pounds St. Louis style spare ribs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese five spice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 5 cloves minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Finishing
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- sesame seeds (optional)
- green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, Chinese five spice, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, ground ginger, and optional red food coloring until well combined and set aside.
- Cut the ribs: Using a sharp knife, cut the spare ribs between every two bones to separate them into manageable sections for cooking.
- Slow cook the ribs: Place the cut ribs and the prepared marinade into an 8-quart slow cooker. Cook on the low setting for 6 hours to allow the ribs to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Prepare for broiling: Once cooked, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a sheet pan lined with foil. Stir the cornstarch into the remaining marinade in the slow cooker to thicken it.
- Baste and broil: Generously baste the ribs all over with the thickened marinade. Place the sheet pan under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the ribs develop a caramelized, slightly charred glaze. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove ribs from the broiler, sprinkle with optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If you do not have an 8-quart slow cooker, any slow cooker large enough to fit the ribs can be used.
- The red food coloring is optional and mainly used for traditional presentation; it does not affect taste.
- Basting the ribs before broiling helps develop a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Using parchment paper instead of foil for the sheet pan can help with easier cleanup.
- Adjust red pepper flakes as needed for preferred spice level.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
