Honey Teriyaki Ribs
This easy honey teriyaki ribs recipe is packed with incredible flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals or special occasions!

Honey Teriyaki Ribs
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the chips for the smoker
- Fill a medium bowl with water and toss in the wood chips. Let soak for 30 minutes.
- Make the five-spice rub
- In a small bowl combine all the ingredients.
- Prep the ribs
- Remove the membrane from the racks by using a dull knife and sliding the tip under the membrane that covers the back of each rib rack. Holding a paper towel in your hand, grip the membrane at one end of the slab of ribs and tug. It usually pulls right off.
- Season the racks with about 1 1/2 tablespoons rub per rack, being sure to put more of it on the meaty side of each rack and less on the bone side.
- Make the honey teriyaki glaze
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and softened, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili-garlic sauce, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine. Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet while whisking constantly. Boil until thickened, still whisking, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
- Grill the ribs
- Before lighting the grill, drain the wood chips and add them to the smoker box. (If you don’t have a built-in smoker box, set the box you are using under the cooking grate directly over a burner off to one side of the grill. If it won’t fit, place it on top of the cooking grate off to one side over the burner.)
- Prepare the grill for indirect cooking on high heat (450° to 550°F | 232° to 288°C).
- When smoke appears, lower the temperature to low (275° to 300°F | 135° to 149°C). Place the rib racks, bone side down, on the cooking grates over indirect heat.
- TESTER TIP: To avoid charred ribs, keep the racks over indirect heat the entire time. Don’t be tempted to hurry things by sneaking them to the direct side. You’ll thank us later.
- Close the lid and cook, keeping the temperature 275° to 300°F (135° to 149°C), until tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
- During the last 20 to 25 minutes of grilling, generously baste the racks with the reserved glaze every 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the racks from the grill and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice the racks between the bones. Pile the individual ribs on a platter and pass the remaining glaze on the side.
Tips for the Best Honey Teriyaki Ribs
- Pre-heat & Prep: Always gather all ingredients before cooking honey teriyaki ribs.
- Flavor Adjustment: Adjust seasoning to taste near the end of cooking.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.





