These Easy Luau Ribs are a fun way to add a tropical twist to your dinner! They’re tender and packed with amazing flavors from a simple marinade that you’ll love.
Getting messy with ribs is always a good time, right? I like to serve them with a side of coleslaw and some grilled corn. Trust me, no one complains about finger-licking goodness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Use baby back ribs for a more tender result, or spare ribs for a meatier bite. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap pork ribs for beef short ribs or even chicken, but cooking times will vary.
Pineapple Juice: This adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors. If you don’t have it, orange juice works as a tasty substitute, or even a mix of apple juice with a splash of vinegar for tartness!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is great, but you can use low-sodium soy if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free version, tamari is a perfect alternative.
Hoisin Sauce: This gives depth to the marinade. If you don’t have hoisin, try a mixture of equal parts peanut butter and soy sauce with a hint of honey as a stand-in.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses to achieve a similar flavor.
How Do I Get the Most Flavor from the Marinade?
Marinating is key for tender, flavorful ribs, so don’t skip this step! Here’s how to maximize that delicious flavor:
- Make sure to coat the ribs well with the marinade. Use your hands to really rub it in!
- Let them marinate for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best. This way, the flavors penetrate deeply.
- Keep the ribs in the fridge! This helps to keep the meat safe while it absorbs those great tastes.
By following these tips, you’ll boost the flavor and tenderness of your ribs, making them the star of your meal!
Easy Luau Ribs Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 2 to 2.5 hours of cooking time, plus marinating. Ideally, you should let the ribs marinate for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best. So, plan for a total of about 3 hours if you’re marinating ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade/Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well blended. This delicious marinade will be the key to tender, flavorful ribs!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Take a large resealable plastic bag or a deep dish and place the pork ribs inside. Pour half of the marinade over the ribs, making sure to coat them thoroughly. Keep the other half of the marinade to use later. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let them marinate for at least 3 hours, but if you can, overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over it. This setup will help the ribs cook evenly while keeping them juicy.
4. Bake the Ribs:
Take the ribs out of the marinade (discarding the used marinade) and place them on the wire rack, bone side down. Cover the ribs loosely with foil. Bake them in the oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until they are very tender and starting to pull away from the bone. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
5. Glaze and Broil:
Once cooked, remove the ribs from the oven, and generously brush them with the reserved marinade. Now, switch your oven setting to broil. Broil the ribs on high for about 5-7 minutes, until the glaze caramelizes and becomes sticky. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
6. Serve:
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after broiling. This helps them stay juicy! Slice the ribs between the bones and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if you’d like. Serve them with your favorite sides like coleslaw, grilled veggies, or rice for a perfect meal!
Enjoy this tender, sweet-savory tropical treat that’s perfect for any casual or luau-themed meal!
FAQ
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Yes! While pork ribs are traditional, you can also use beef short ribs or chicken thighs. Just be aware that cooking times may vary; chicken will cook much faster, so adjust accordingly!
How Can I Make These Ribs Spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha into the marinade. Another option is to serve the finished ribs with a spicy barbecue sauce or hot sauce on the side to drizzle on top!
Can I Prepare the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the marinade a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just mix well before using it, as some ingredients may settle over time.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
To store leftovers, wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra marinade if needed to keep them moist!
