Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Honey Glazed Pork Ribs
Tender pork ribs glazed with a tangy citrus and honey sauce, grilled over charcoal for a smoky finish. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 65 minutes pairs pounds pork ribs, honey, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork ribs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat, around 350°F. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the glaze.
- Step 2: Pat dry 2 pounds pork ribs and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil. Season the ribs evenly with salt and pepper (included in the glaze mixture).
- Step 3: Place the ribs on the grill bone side down and cook for 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes and brushing generously with the citrus-honey glaze each time, until the ribs are tender and have a caramelized exterior.
- Step 4: Remove ribs from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between bones. Serve with additional glaze if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Honey Glazed Pork Ribs take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Honey Glazed Pork Ribs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds pork ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Honey Glazed Pork Ribs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Honey Glazed Pork Ribs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Honey Glazed Pork Ribs?
BBQ & Smoked pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
