Dive into a tropical taste sensation with these Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs. Combining the succulent tenderness of pork ribs with the sweet allure of pineapple and a savory sauce, this dish offers a delightful escape to island flavors. Perfect for busy days or a laid-back weekend, these ribs cook to perfection in the slow cooker, making them an effortless yet flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork ribs (either baby back or spare ribs)
- 1 cup of diced pineapple (fresh or canned, juice drained if canned)
- 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions
Cooking Instructions
Directions:
Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper. For enhanced flavor, you can do this step the night before and allow the ribs to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
In the slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk these ingredients together to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
Stir the diced pineapples into the sauce mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Place the ribs in the slow cooker. Arrange them so that they are immersed as much as possible in the sauce to absorb the flavors.
Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on how much time you have available.
Once the ribs are tender and cooked through, remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter.
Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Take the cornstarch and mix it with a little water to form a slurry, then whisk this into the sauce. Heat over medium until the sauce thickens.
Generously glaze the ribs with the thickened sauce. Optionally, for a caramelized finish, broil the ribs for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Variations & Tips
Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Browning the Ribs: If time allows, brown the ribs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker to enhance their flavor and texture.
Fruit Variations: No pineapple? Substitute with mango or peach chunks for a different sweet twist.
Leftover Idea: Transform any leftover ribs into delicious sandwiches by shredding the meat and serving it on buns with coleslaw.
These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs are a perfect blend of easy preparation and exotic flavors, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion that calls for a special meal. Enjoy the combination of ease and deliciousness that this dish brings to your table!