Hawaiian Sweet-Sour Ribs

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Hawaiian

Hawaiian Sweet-Sour Ribs offer a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors, featuring tender ribs coated in a pineapple-infused sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, this dish combines tropical sweetness with rich meatiness for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 to 2 lb. ribs
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 4 Tbsp. pineapple juice
  • 1 can chunk pineapple, drained

Instructions

  1. Fry ribs until browned.
  2. Add soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and pineapple juice to the ribs.
  3. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.
  4. Add drained pineapple chunks to the skillet.
  5. Continue cooking on low heat for another 30 minutes or until the meat is tender.
  6. Optional: Thicken the sauce with cornstarch before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you're looking for a healthier twist, consider using low-sodium soy sauce and a sugar substitute. For a touch of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute the ribs with chicken or tofu for a different take on the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hawaiian Sweet-Sour Ribs over steamed rice or alongside Pan-Fried Potatoes And Zucchini for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Red Cabbage(A Sweet And Sour Dish With Great Color) to complement the sweet and tangy flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hawaiian Sweet-Sour Ribs contains roughly 202 calories, with 7g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2068mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).

202 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 3.4g 4% DV
Carbs 35.9g 13% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2067.6mg 90% DV
Potassium 381.5mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 13.5mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.3mcg
Vitamin C 19.2mg 21% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 38.7mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

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 type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ribs with chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken will cook faster, while tofu may just need to be heated through.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also marinate the ribs with a spicy soy sauce for an extra kick.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and adding it to the skillet. Stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency before serving.

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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