Zesty Pineapple BBQ Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking for a recipe that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory depth of barbecue, these Zesty Pineapple BBQ Ribs are just the ticket. Perfect for summer grilling or a cozy winter dinner, this dish brings a tropical twist to classic comfort food.

Ingredients for Zesty Pineapple BBQ Ribs

The star of the show is, of course, the pork ribs, which absorb all the delicious flavors of the marinade. The pineapple juice not only adds sweetness but also helps tenderize the meat. The barbecue sauce delivers that classic smoky flavor we all love, while the soy sauce adds a savory umami kick. Honey brings additional sweetness and helps with caramelization. Garlic and ginger contribute depth and warmth, making the marinade fragrant and irresistible. Finally, a touch of black pepper and salt balances the flavors perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even more flavor, marinate the ribs overnight in the fridge.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor impact.
  • For a smokier taste, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
  • If you're short on time, use a pressure cooker to tenderize the ribs before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair wonderfully with a fresh coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with cornbread or roasted sweet potatoes. A chilled glass of white wine or a light beer complements the tropical and savory notes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time since beef ribs may take longer to become tender.
Is it necessary to cover the ribs with foil?
Yes, covering the ribs helps them retain moisture and become tender.
Can I grill these instead of baking?
You can! Start them in the oven to tenderize, then finish on the grill for that charred flavor.

Zesty Pineapple BBQ Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking ensures the ribs become tender without drying out. While the oven is warming, take a medium-sized bowl and mix together the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. This is your flavor-packed marinade.

Next, place the pork ribs in a baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly but with enough room for the marinade to circulate. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring every bit is coated. This is where the magic happens, so take a moment to ensure even coverage.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and moisture, helping the ribs to cook evenly. Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 2.5 hours. Check for tenderness by piercing the meat with a fork; it should give easily.

Once they're nice and tender, remove the foil and crank up the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This final step caramelizes the marinade, giving those ribs a beautiful, sticky glaze. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, watching closely to ensure they don't burn.

Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a unique taste experience.
  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
  • Perfectly tender ribs every time with this foolproof method.
  • Impresses guests without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork ribs
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
3. Place the pork ribs in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring even coverage.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 2.5 hours or until ribs are tender.
5. Remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
6. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
7. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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