There are some meals that instantly lift your mood and transport your senses to another place, and these Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs do exactly that. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors—all wrapped around tender pork ribs that practically fall off the bone. This recipe brings together the warmth of comfort food with the flair of tropical flair, offering an easy escape from the everyday dinner routine.
When life gets hectic, there’s nothing better than a meal that cooks itself while you take care of your to-do list—or simply relax. That’s where this slow cooker recipe really shines. The natural sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with a bold barbecue sauce, soy, ginger, and garlic blend that infuses every bite with flavor. Whether it’s the middle of winter or you’re just dreaming of a sunny getaway, this dish hits the spot.
Serve it with rice to soak up that golden glaze, or go all out with coconut rice and grilled pineapple slices for a more indulgent island-style spread. However you plate it, this recipe makes mealtime feel like a mini vacation.
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1 cup diced pineapples (fresh or drained canned)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Season the ribs with salt and pepper. For deeper flavor, do this the night before and refrigerate.
- In your slow cooker, combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well.
- Add diced pineapples to the mixture, mixing to distribute the sweetness throughout the sauce.
- Place the ribs into the slow cooker, ensuring they’re coated and nestled in the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
- Remove ribs and place on a serving platter. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and skim excess fat.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with one tablespoon of water. Stir into the sauce.
- Heat sauce over medium until thickened to your liking.
- Drizzle the thickened glaze over the ribs. For extra texture, broil ribs for a few minutes until caramelized.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Nutritional and Dietary Insights:
These ribs provide a rich source of protein, balanced by the natural fruit sugars from pineapple and the umami depth of soy and barbecue sauce. While delicious, this dish can be moderately high in sodium and sugar, so it’s best enjoyed in reasonable portions. To reduce sodium, opt for a low-sodium soy sauce. It’s naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free soy sauce and barbecue sauce. Pairing the ribs with fiber-rich vegetables or whole grains helps round out the meal nutritionally.
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