Get ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these Tropical Pineapple Glazed Baby Back Ribs. These ribs offer a deliciously unique twist on a classic favorite, combining juicy, tender meat with a sweet and tangy glaze that’s perfect for any occasion.
Pineapple juice gives the glaze its signature tropical flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Soy sauce adds a salty, umami depth that balances the sweetness. Honey and brown sugar work together to create a rich, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Garlic and ginger introduce warmth and aromatic spice. A touch of apple cider vinegar provides acidity, which brightens the glaze. Chili flakes bring a subtle heat to the mix, while salt and black pepper season the ribs perfectly. Finally, cornstarch thickens the glaze, and olive oil aids in cooking and flavor enhancement.
These ribs pair beautifully with a light, crunchy slaw or a fresh green salad to complement their rich flavors. For a more tropical flair, consider serving with coconut rice or grilled pineapple slices.
Let’s start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C), which will ensure our ribs cook low and slow for that fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Next, you’ll want to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Trust me, this step is key if you want tender ribs. Once that’s done, season both sides of the ribs generously with salt and pepper.
Now, grab a saucepan and combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This will give the flavors time to meld beautifully.
While that’s simmering, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the glaze nicely. Stir it into the saucepan and let it simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
With the glaze ready, brush your ribs with olive oil to help them cook evenly and then generously coat them with the glaze. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil to keep all that juicy goodness inside and pop them in the oven for 2.5 hours.
After the ribs have cooked, carefully unwrap them and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush them with more of that delicious glaze and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This final step will caramelize the glaze beautifully, leaving you with irresistibly sticky and flavorful ribs.
Finally, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness before serving.
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