Hawaiian Ribs
Hawaiian Ribs feature tender pork ribs glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple-based sauce, complemented by green peppers and pineapple chunks, perfect for a flavorful tropical meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the spareribs in a heavy frypan or Dutch oven.
- Combine cornstarch, molasses, and soy sauce to make a paste.
- Spread the paste on both sides of each rib piece.
- Rebrown the ribs quickly in hot fat.
- Combine sugar, vinegar, water, and pineapple juice; heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the mixture over the ribs.
- Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Add pineapple chunks and green pepper cubes; re-cover and simmer for 5 minutes longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the ribs in the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture for several hours or overnight. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce. You can also substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hawaiian ribs with a side of fluffy rice or a refreshing Tropical Drink to complement the sweet and savory flavors. Grilled vegetables or Garlic Carrots make excellent accompaniments. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Soft Rye Bread Sticks With Caraway Seed for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Hawaiian ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the ribs in a baking dish covered with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Ribs contains roughly 489 calories, with 7g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the ribs, place them in the slow cooker with the sauce mixture and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of spareribs?
If you don't have spareribs, you can substitute with baby back ribs or even chicken thighs for a lighter option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken may require less time to cook thoroughly.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe as written is not spicy, but you can add heat by including sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This will give your Hawaiian ribs a nice kick without overpowering the sweet flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).