I started making these lamb ribs after my neighbor shared some from her local kosher butcher. The meat was so tender and flavorful that I knew I had to figure out how to recreate it at home. What began as an experiment turned into one of our family’s most requested weekend dinners.
Lamb ribs don’t get the attention they deserve, which is honestly puzzling to me. They cook faster than beef ribs but have more flavor than chicken. The key is finding a good kosher butcher who can cut them properly. I ask for the ribs to be frenched, which means the fat and meat are scraped away from the bone ends. It looks more elegant and prevents the bones from charring too much.
Why Lamb Ribs Are Perfect for Home Cooking
The honey garlic glaze is where this recipe really shines. I use a combination of soy sauce, honey, and fresh garlic, but the secret ingredient is a splash of rice vinegar. It adds just enough acidity to balance the sweetness and helps the glaze stick to the meat instead of sliding off. I’ve tried this recipe with different types of honey, and wildflower honey works best. It has more complex flavors than regular clover honey.
The Secret to Perfect Honey Garlic Glaze
These ribs work perfectly for Shabbat dinner or any time you want something special without too much fuss. The active cooking time is minimal once you get them in the oven. I usually serve them with roasted vegetables and some good challah for sopping up the glaze. The leftovers, if there are any, make excellent sandwiches the next day.

Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the lamb ribs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season the ribs all over with the spice mixture, pressing it into the meat. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while preparing the glaze.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Arrange ribs on the prepared baking sheet, meat side up. Brush with half of the glaze, reserving the rest.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze. Continue baking for 25-30 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the glaze is caramelized.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
