If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, these Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs are the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with the tropical flair of pineapple and a rich, sticky glaze. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Effortless Cooking: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet pineapple, tangy soy sauce, and smoky ribs is a match made in heaven.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a laid-back weekend feast.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves tender ribs with a Hawaiian twist!
Ingredients :
3-4 pounds of pork baby back ribs (or substitute with spare ribs)
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
Optional topping: finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Duration: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours
Method :
Prepare the Ribs: Trim excess fat from the ribs and cut them into manageable sections to fit your slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and black pepper until combined.
Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over them. Add the crushed pineapple on top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender and juicy.
Optional Sauce Thickening: To create a denser sauce, take the ribs out after cooking, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then blend it into the sauce. Heat on high for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
Serve: Plate the ribs, spoon the sauce over them, and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Storage and Serving Suggestions :
Storage: Keep any remaining ribs in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For extended preservation, place them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-25 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Serving Ideas: Pair these Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh pineapple coleslaw for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 4-6 servings):
Calories: 450-500
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 900mg
Note: Nutritional values can differ depending on serving size and the exact ingredients chosen.
Variations & Substitutions :
Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Different Protein: Swap pork ribs for beef short ribs or chicken thighs.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar and honey by half or use a sugar substitute.
Fresh Pineapple: Replace crushed pineapple with diced fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor.
Additional Tips :
For extra caramelization, broil the ribs in the oven for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking.
Employ a slow cooker liner to simplify the cleaning process.
Double the sauce recipe if you love extra glaze for dipping or drizzling.
FAQ :
1- Can I make Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the ribs and sauce the night before, store them in the slow cooker insert in the fridge, and start cooking the next day.
2- What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
You can substitute with orange juice or apple juice, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
3- How do I know when the Hawaiian ribs are done?
The meat should be succulent and effortlessly separate from the bone. If it remains firm, extend the cooking time by an extra hour.
4- Can I cook Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs on high instead of low?
Absolutely! Cooking on high for 3-4 hours works just as well if you’re short on time.
Conclusion :
These Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs are the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor. With a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s juicy, succulent, and packed with tropical vibes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and let the sweet-and-savory magic of Hawaiian ribs brighten your table!