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Benjamin

Best Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs – Easy Tropical Dinner Idea

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs smothered in a tangy pineapple-soy sauce. This easy recipe brings the taste of the tropics straight to your kitchen, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds pork ribs baby back or spare ribs
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening the sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Ribs
  2. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for a more tender texture.
  3. Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Make the Sauce
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and rice vinegar until fully combined.
  6. Layer the Ribs in the Slow Cooker
  7. Place the seasoned ribs in your slow cooker. If needed, cut them into smaller sections to fit.
  8. Pour the sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
  9. Cook Low and Slow
  10. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
  11. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
  12. Once the ribs are cooked, transfer them to a foil-lined baking sheet.
  13. Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  14. Broil for Extra Flavor
  15. Brush the thickened sauce over the ribs and broil them in the oven for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
  16. Garnish and Serve
  17. Sprinkle the ribs with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

    • Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar depending on your preference for sweetness.
    • Substitute for Pineapple Juice: Orange or apple juice can be used as a substitute for a slightly different flavor profile.
    • Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
    • Freezing Option: Freeze cooked ribs in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
 

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