Place ribs, 2 onions cut into wedges, 4 tablespoons soy sauce, star anise pods, and black pepper in a large stock pot . Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer until ribs are tender when pierced, about 1 ¼ hours, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 onion chopped; cook and stir until onion is soft. Stir in honey, brown sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ginger, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice; cook and stir until well blended. Remove from heat.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Remove ribs from stock pot using tongs; arrange in a single layer in an 11x16-inch baking pan. Brush evenly with honey glaze.
Bake in the preheated oven, basting often with pan drippings, until ribs are well glazed, about 30 minutes.
