Name: Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486574H26M56S
Total time: PT-486574H26M56S
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 rack of baby back ribs; 4 cloves of garlic; 1/4 cup dark soy sauce; 1/4 cup sweet soy sauce; 1/4 cup raw honey; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika powder; 1/2 tsp cumin

Jump to Recipe

If you love big flavors with minimal effort, the Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs are about to become your new favorite dish. Imagine ultra-tender baby back ribs, slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone perfection, all drenched in a sticky, garlicky, and gently spiced glaze that hits every taste bud just right. This recipe is ridiculously simple—no fancy equipment, no complicated steps, just pure, savory-sweet satisfaction that practically cooks itself while you get on with your day. Trust me, once you’ve tried these Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs, you’ll find yourself craving them on busy weeknights, lazy Sunday afternoons, and every special occasion in between.

Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a harmony of flavors and textures, each one playing an important part in transforming simple ribs into a downright irresistible meal. Don’t skip any—the magic is in the combination!

1 rack of baby back ribs: The star of the show! Choose fresh, meaty ribs for the juiciest results.
4 cloves of garlic: Mince them fresh for the boldest, sweetest aroma and depth.
¼ cup dark soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami-rich backbone and gives the ribs a beautiful deep color.
¼ cup sweet soy sauce: Offers a gentle sweetness and richer body than regular soy sauce, making the glaze extra luscious.
¼ cup raw honey: Lends a natural sweetness and gorgeous lacquered finish; raw honey brings a touch of floral nuance.
½ tsp onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with mellow, savory undertones.
½ tsp paprika powder: Brings a subtle smokiness and hints of color, perfect for mouthwatering appeal.
½ tsp cumin: Adds a whisper of earthiness for a deeper, more complex flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs

Step 1: Mix the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, and cumin. This simple dry rub is the foundation of flavor for your Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs, infusing the meat with earthy warmth and a hint of smokiness right from the beginning.

Step 2: Rub Spice Mixture onto the Ribs

Generously massage the dry rub into every nook and cranny of the rack of baby back ribs. A thorough rub ensures that each bite is packed with aromatic spices and sets the stage for the sticky glaze to stick later.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

Mince your fresh garlic cloves, then stir them together in a bowl with dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and honey. Blend well until it becomes a glossy, irresistible marinade that you’ll want to lick off the spoon—this is the secret to those signature sticky, garlicky notes in your Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs.

Step 4: Brush and Marinate the Ribs

Brush the ribs thoroughly with the honey garlic soy glaze, making sure to coat every surface. Reserve a dollop of the marinade for basting later. This step is where the flavor magic truly begins, soaking into the meat and promising the most mouthwatering ribs.

Step 5: Cut and Cook in the Crockpot

Cut the rack in half so the pieces fit snugly in your slow cooker. Nestle the ribs into the crockpot and pour in any remaining glaze (except the reserved basting portion). Set on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of anticipation.

Step 6: Baste During Cooking

Every hour, pop open the lid and brush the ribs with that reserved marinade. This ongoing basting keeps them extra moist and infuses layer upon layer of that bold, sticky honey garlic soy goodness. You’ll see why people rave about these Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs!

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs

Garnishes

Brighten your platter with a sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions or sesame seeds. A scattering of chopped cilantro adds color and a fragrant burst that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory sauce. Lemon or lime wedges on the side are fantastic for a zesty finish that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs with simple steamed jasmine rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a light Asian slaw for crunch and freshness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or garlicky sautéed green beans round out the flavors without stealing the spotlight from your sticky, tender ribs.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slice the ribs into single bone portions and serve them upright in a rustic tray with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Dress them up restaurant-style with a drizzle of extra glaze right before serving, or turn them into sliders by tucking pieces into small brioche buns with pickled veggies. You’ll impress a crowd every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs moist and delicious by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay perfectly fresh for up to three days—if they somehow last that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, these ribs freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in foil, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold onto their fabulous flavor for up to two months. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing.

Reheating

To bring back that just-cooked tenderness, reheat the ribs in a covered baking dish at 300°F until warmed through, adding a splash of water or extra glaze to keep them juicy. Microwave works in a pinch, but a gentle oven reheat will preserve the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of ribs?

Absolutely! While baby back ribs are classic for their tenderness, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs as well. Just remember they may require a slightly longer cook time to become just as tender in your crockpot.

Is there a substitute for sweet soy sauce?

If you don’t have sweet soy sauce on hand, mix regular soy sauce with a little extra honey or a splash of molasses to mimic its depth and sweetness. The result will still give your Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs that signature sticky-sweet glaze!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ribs and marinade the night before, letting all those wonderful flavors develop even further. Pop them into the crockpot the next morning for an effortless dinner later.

How can I make the ribs spicy?

If you like some heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a squirt of Sriracha to the honey garlic soy glaze. It’s an easy way to put a spicy twist on the Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs without overpowering the main flavors.

Do I need to sear the ribs before slow cooking?

No searing required! The slow cooker does all the work, making the ribs incredibly tender and flavorful. If you want extra caramelization, you can run them under the broiler for a couple of minutes after cooking, but it’s completely optional.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about these Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs—how a handful of pantry staples come together for such an unforgettable meal. I can’t recommend them enough for anyone wanting big flavor with zero fuss. Give this recipe a try, and soon you’ll be sharing it with all your favorite people!

Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs are a delicious and simple dish that’s perfect for a no-fuss dinner. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a flavorful marinade that infuses the ribs with fantastic taste. Cooking them in the slow cooker ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs:

1 rack of baby back ribs

Marinade:

4 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup dark soy sauce
1/4 cup sweet soy sauce
1/4 cup raw honey
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika powder
1/2 tsp cumin

Instructions

Rub dry mixture: In a small bowl, mix onion powder, paprika powder, and cumin. Rub this mixture over the ribs.
Prepare marinade: Mince garlic and combine with dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and honey. Brush over ribs, saving some for later.
Cook in slow cooker: Cut ribs in half and place in slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Baste ribs: Every hour, brush ribs with reserved marinade to keep them flavorful and moist.