These Easy Luau Ribs are all about tender, tasty meat that falls off the bone! With a special blend of sweet and savory flavors, they’re perfect for any backyard cookout or family meal.
Honestly, I can’t resist a good rib! I like to serve these with coleslaw and cornbread, making it a fun feast. Your friends will be begging for your secret recipe! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Baby back ribs are my favorite for tenderness, but spare ribs work well too. They may take a bit longer to cook, but they’re delicious. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try pork tenderloin, though it won’t have the same flavor.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice enhances the flavor, but canned works just as well. If you need a substitute, mix equal parts of apple or orange juice with some vinegar for acidity.
Brown Sugar: This gives the ribs their sweet flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses or honey since it replicates the same caramel notes.
Sesame Oil: It adds a nutty touch. You can replace it with vegetable or canola oil but don’t skip the oil completely, as it helps in flavor and moisture.
How Do I Make the Ribs Extra Tender?
Getting tender ribs is all about cooking low and slow. The oven temperature of 300°F is perfect for breaking down tough connective tissue.
- Cover the ribs with aluminum foil during baking. This traps steam, keeping the ribs moist and aiding in tenderness.
- Cook them for at least 2.5 hours, checking for tenderness. If the meat pulls away easily, you’re good!
- After baking, the broiling step caramelizes the sauce, giving a nice flavor without overcooking the meat.
Easy Luau Ribs Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Ribs:
- 3 to 4 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
- For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh pineapple chunks (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 2.5 to 3 hours to bake your ribs. Add a few more minutes for broiling, making the total time around 3 hours, but trust me, the tender and flavorful results are worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is perfect for making the ribs nice and tender.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a kick). Whisk everything together until well mixed.
3. Coat the Ribs:
Take your pork ribs and place them in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
4. Bake the Ribs:
Put the covered ribs in your preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is very tender and starts pulling away from the bones. Yum!
5. Get Ready to Broil:
Once the ribs are done baking, remove them from the oven and preheat your broiler or grill. This will give them a delicious caramelized glaze!
6. Broil the Ribs:
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can transfer the ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush a little more marinade or some pineapple juice over them. Broil or grill the ribs for about 5-7 minutes, just until they get a nice shiny glaze. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
7. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re nicely broiled, remove the ribs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle back into the meat.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your ribs with sliced green onions and fresh pineapple chunks if you like. Serve them hot and watch everyone enjoy the tender, flavorful Luau ribs!
This recipe perfectly captures that tropical, sweet-savory taste we love from traditional Hawaiian luau ribs. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Luau Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are my favorite for tenderness, spare ribs will also work well. Just keep in mind they may require a bit more cooking time to get tender.
How Can I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No worries! You can substitute pineapple juice with an equal amount of apple or orange juice. Adding a splash of vinegar can help mimic the acidity that the pineapple juice provides.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify!
