Hawaiian Spareribs

Prep: 30 min Cook: 105 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Hawaiian

Hawaiian Spareribs are tender, flavorful ribs glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce featuring pineapple, apricot preserves, and warm spices, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 6 lb. spareribs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 c. ketchup
  • 1/2 c. light molasses
  • juice of 2 lemons
  • garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 jar apricot preserves
  • 1 jar pineapple preserves

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from ribs and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange in a baking pan.
  2. Bake the ribs uncovered in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.
  3. Drain off 3/4 of the fat, leaving the ribs in the pan.
  4. In a skillet, heat butter and oil.
  5. Saute onion until golden, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in ketchup, light molasses, lemon juice, apricot preserves, and pineapple preserves.
  7. Add garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to taste into the sauce mixture.
  8. Brush the sauce mixture onto the ribs.
  9. Cover with foil and refrigerate until serving.
  10. On serving day, bake the ribs uncovered in a 350°F oven for one hour, turning occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce overnight before baking. If you don’t have apricot or pineapple preserves, try using other fruit preserves like peach or mango for a unique twist. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less molasses based on your preference. For added complexity, consider incorporating a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce into the sauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These Hawaiian spareribs are best served alongside a refreshing side like Lemon Green Beans or a tangy slaw to balance the richness of the meat. For a complete meal, pair with fluffy rice or a tropical fruit salad. They’re also a great addition to a summer barbecue or any festive gathering, making them a perfect choice for a holiday party.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and cover to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hawaiian Spareribs contains roughly 3340 calories, with 2g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 339g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (28% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1459mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).

3340 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 338.9g 100% DV
Carbs 87g 32% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 66.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1459mg 63% DV
Potassium 1336.2mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 6.2mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 191.7mg 15% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Contains Milk

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 use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spareribs with baby back ribs or even chicken thighs for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and fully cooked.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat to your Hawaiian spareribs, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also marinate the ribs with a spicy dry rub before baking for an extra kick.

What can I serve with Hawaiian spareribs?

These ribs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a fruit salad or browse more vegetarian recipes to complement the meal.

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).

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