Applebee's Honey BBQ Riblets (Copycat Recipe)

These Honey BBQ Riblets are a delightful recreation of the classic dish from Applebee's, featuring tender, fall-off-the-bone pork riblets coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these riblets are sure to please with their rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork riblets
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. In a large baking dish, arrange the pork riblets in a single layer. Brush them with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour half of the honey BBQ sauce over the riblets, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, until the riblets are tender.
6. After 2 hours, remove the foil and brush the riblets with the remaining BBQ sauce. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Honey BBQ Riblets!