Sticky Pineapple BBQ Ribs
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Sticky Pineapple BBQ Ribs! Juicy and tender pork spareribs are marinated in a luscious blend of pineapple juice, honey, and brown sugar, resulting in a glaze that's not just sticky but downright irresistible. Perfect for sunny afternoons, these ribs are sure to be a hit at every backyard BBQ or family gathering. Pair them with creamy potato salad and vibrant BBQ salads for a complete meal that will have your kids and guests coming back for seconds. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned grill master, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees deliciously satisfying results.
4
Servings
750
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork spareribs
3 racks (Trim any excess fat)
Pineapple juice
3 cups (Freshly squeezed is ideal)
Brown sugar
1/3 cup (Packed)
Honey
1/4 cup (Warmed slightly for easy mixing)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (Use low sodium for less saltiness)
Garlic cloves
2 cloves (Chopped finely)
Cracked pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground for best flavor)
Barbecue sauce
3/4 cup (Good-quality, plus more for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin with the preparation of the ribs: Lay each rack bone-side up on a cutting board and carefully use a paring knife to remove the membrane on the underside. For easier handling, use a tea towel to grip one edge of the membrane and pull it off in a single motion.
2
Once the membrane is removed, place the rib racks in a large, non-metallic dish (you may need to divide them into two dishes if necessary).
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, chopped garlic, and cracked pepper until well-combined and the sugar has dissolved. Allow the marinade to cool completely before pouring it over the ribs.
4
Cover the dish tightly with cling film and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
5
For cooking, prepare your grill. If using a charcoal barbecue, arrange it for indirect grilling with two small piles of hot coals on opposite sides and a drip pan made from aluminum foil in the center. If using a gas grill, set it to medium heat.
6
Place the marinated ribs in the center of the grill, ensuring they are positioned away from direct heat.
7
Close the grill lid and keep the vents open. Cook the ribs for about 1.5 hours, turning them halfway through (after 40 minutes). Baste the ribs with leftover marinade every 20 minutes to enhance the sticky glaze.
8
To check for doneness, look for the meat to have pulled back from the ends of the bones. Once ready, slice between the bones and serve the ribs embellished with additional barbecue sauce.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
50g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sticky Pineapple BBQ Ribs?
Sticky Pineapple BBQ Ribs are juicy and tender pork spareribs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of pineapple juice, honey, and brown sugar.
What type of ribs are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for three racks of pork spareribs with excess fat trimmed.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How do I remove the membrane from the ribs?
Lay the rack bone-side up, use a paring knife to loosen the membrane, and then use a tea towel to grip and pull it off in one motion.
Why should I remove the membrane on the underside of the ribs?
Removing the membrane ensures the ribs are more tender and allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, chopped garlic, and cracked pepper.
Should the marinade be hot when poured over the ribs?
No, you should allow the marinade to cool completely before pouring it over the raw ribs.
How long should the ribs marinate?
The ribs should marinate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for maximum flavor absorption.
What kind of dish should I use for marinating?
Use a large, non-metallic dish to marinate the ribs to avoid any metallic reactions with the acidic pineapple juice.
How do I set up a charcoal grill for these ribs?
Arrange hot coals in two piles on opposite sides with an aluminum foil drip pan in the center for indirect grilling.
What setting should I use for a gas grill?
Set your gas grill to medium heat for the duration of the cooking process.
How long do the ribs need to cook on the grill?
The ribs take approximately 1.5 hours to cook until they are tender and the glaze is sticky.
When should I turn the ribs while grilling?
You should turn the ribs halfway through the cooking time, roughly after 40 to 45 minutes.
How often should I baste the ribs with marinade?
Baste the ribs with the leftover marinade every 20 minutes to enhance the sticky glaze.
How can I tell when the ribs are fully cooked?
The ribs are ready when the meat has visibly pulled back from the ends of the bones.
Is it okay to use bottled pineapple juice?
Yes, while freshly squeezed is ideal, good-quality bottled pineapple juice works perfectly fine.
Can I use low sodium soy sauce?
Yes, using low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness of the final dish.
What is the best way to slice the ribs for serving?
Once the ribs are finished cooking, use a sharp knife to slice carefully between the bones.
What sides pair well with these BBQ ribs?
These ribs go excellently with creamy potato salad and vibrant BBQ salads.
How many calories are in a serving of these ribs?
Each serving of Sticky Pineapple BBQ Ribs contains approximately 750 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 37.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
Are these ribs suitable for children?
Yes, the sweet pineapple and honey glaze makes them very kid-friendly.
Can I prepare this if I am a beginner?
Absolutely, the recipe is designed to be easy to follow for both novices and seasoned grill masters.
What should I do with the remaining BBQ sauce?
Serve the sliced ribs with additional barbecue sauce on the side or drizzled over the top for extra flavor.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar.
Why is honey used in the recipe?
Honey provides a natural sweetness and helps create a thick, sticky consistency for the BBQ glaze.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
Keep the grill lid closed during cooking, but ensure the vents remain open to manage airflow.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While 2 cloves of finely chopped fresh garlic are recommended for best flavor, you can substitute with garlic powder if necessary.
How much barbecue sauce is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of good-quality barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving.