Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece of tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, drenched in a rich, sweet glaze with a hint of tropical flavor. These Tropical Hawaiian Slow Cooker Ribs bring the exotic flavors of the islands right to your dinner table, without you ever having to leave the comfort of home. The combination of juicy pork ribs and sweet pineapples creates a delightful contrast that’s both savory and sweet, making it a perfect dish for those who crave a bit of adventure in their meals. One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity—just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it do the work while you go about your day. By the time you’re ready to eat, the ribs will be perfectly tender and infused with the delicious Hawaiian-inspired flavors. Serve them with a side of coconut rice or steamed vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- 1 cup diced pineapples (fresh or canned, drained if using canned)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs: Season the pork ribs generously with salt and pepper. For an enhanced flavor, you can season them the night before and let them marinate in the refrigerator.
- Mix the Sauce: In your slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir the ingredients together to create a sweet and savory marinade for the ribs.
- Add Pineapples: Gently fold in the diced pineapples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Cook the Ribs: Arrange the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker, making sure they are submerged in the pineapple-infused sauce as much as possible. Cover and cook on a low setting for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the ribs are tender and easily pull away from the bone.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the ribs are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and whisk it into the sauce. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the thickened Hawaiian sauce over the ribs generously. For an extra touch of caramelization, place the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Nutritional Information & Dietary Concerns:
These Hawaiian Slow Cooker Ribs offer a delectable balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making them a satisfying main dish. The pork ribs provide a good source of protein and essential vitamins, while the pineapple adds a touch of natural sweetness along with some vitamin C. The sauce, while flavorful, does contain sugar and sodium, so those watching their sugar or salt intake may want to adjust the quantities accordingly. This dish is rich and satisfying, ideal for a special occasion or when you want to indulge in something truly delicious. Pairing it with a lighter side like a salad or steamed vegetables can help balance the meal.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Did you enjoy this tropical twist on classic ribs? We’d love to hear how your meal turned out! Share your thoughts, tweaks, and serving suggestions in the comments below. Don’t forget to pass this recipe along to friends and family—they’ll thank you for it! Cooking is more fun when it’s shared, so spread the love!