Sweet and Spicy Honey BBQ Riblets
Indulge in the rich flavors of my Sweet and Spicy Honey BBQ Riblets, a copycat recipe inspired by Applebee's beloved honey barbecue sauce. This succulent dish features tender pork riblets infused with a homemade sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Ideal for gatherings or a family dinner, this recipe will have your guests licking their fingers and coming back for seconds. Pair the riblets with crispy french fries, refreshing coleslaw, or a zesty sour cream dip for an unforgettable meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ketchup
1 cup (none)
Corn Syrup
1/2 cup (none)
Honey
1/2 cup (none)
Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Water
1/4 cup (none)
Molasses
2 tablespoons (none)
Dry Mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic Powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Pork Riblets
1 kg (seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic)
Liquid Smoke Flavoring
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Spicy Honey BBQ Riblets?
These are tender pork riblets coated in a homemade honey barbecue sauce that balances sweet and tangy flavors, inspired by Applebee's famous recipe.
What makes this a copycat recipe?
This recipe is designed to replicate the signature honey barbecue sauce flavors found at Applebee's restaurants.
What type of meat is used for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses pork riblets, which are small pieces of pork rib meat.
How should the pork riblets be seasoned?
The pork riblets should be seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic before cooking.
What are the main ingredients in the honey BBQ sauce?
The sauce includes ketchup, corn syrup, honey, apple cider vinegar, water, molasses, and various spices.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce features a mild spicy kick from chili powder and dry mustard, balanced by sweet honey and molasses.
Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar?
While apple cider vinegar provides a specific tang, you can substitute it with white vinegar or rice vinegar in a pinch.
What provides the smoky flavor in the sauce?
Liquid smoke flavoring is added to give the sauce that authentic pit-barbecue taste without a smoker.
What sides pair well with honey BBQ riblets?
They pair perfectly with crispy french fries, refreshing coleslaw, or a zesty sour cream dip.
How much pork riblets does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of seasoned pork riblets.
What spices are used in the BBQ sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dry mustard, garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the riblets.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
The sweetness comes from a combination of corn syrup, honey, and molasses.
What is the role of molasses in the recipe?
Molasses adds a deep, rich color and a complex, earthy sweetness to the barbecue sauce.
Can I use this sauce for other meats?
Absolutely, this sweet and spicy honey BBQ sauce works great on chicken wings, pulled pork, or beef ribs.
How do I ensure the riblets are tender?
Cooking the riblets slowly allows the meat to become succulent and tender.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is a great comfort food option that is generally a hit with both kids and adults.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for the riblets and the sauce.
Is this a one-dish meal?
While the riblets are the main component, it is often categorized as a one-dish meal style of comfort food.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the chili powder and dry mustard to suit your heat preference.
Does the recipe use garlic powder or fresh garlic?
This recipe uses garlic powder in both the sauce and as a seasoning for the meat.
Why is water added to the sauce?
Water helps thin the sauce to the right consistency so it can properly coat the riblets without being too thick.
What is dry mustard?
Dry mustard is ground mustard seeds that provide a sharp, tangy flavor to the BBQ sauce.
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
The recipe already uses both; if you wish to omit corn syrup, you may need to adjust the honey amount, though it may change the texture.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, riblets are excellent finger foods for gatherings and social events.
How much liquid smoke is used?
Only 1/4 teaspoon is needed, as liquid smoke is very concentrated.
What kind of honey should I use?
Any standard clover or wildflower honey will work perfectly for this sauce.
Are riblets the same as rib tips?
They are similar, but riblets are usually produced by sawing a full slab of ribs into smaller pieces.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Check the labels on your ketchup, liquid smoke, and spices to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover riblets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.