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Sticky Pineapple Ribs Recipe

Sticky Pineapple Ribs 2026

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Sticky pineapple ribs recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a caramelized tropical glaze that balances sweet pineapple with savory spices. This sticky pineapple ribs recipe combines fresh pineapple juice, brown sugar, and aromatic seasonings to create a restaurant-quality dish that your family will request repeatedly.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks (about 56 lbs) Pork baby back ribs
  • 2 cups Pineapple juice (fresh)
  • ½ cup Brown sugar
  • ¼ cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons Soy sauce or tamari
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger, fresh grated
  • 2 tablespoons Paprika (smoked)
  • 1 tablespoon Dry mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup Pineapple chunks (fresh)
  • Olive oil (for rubbing)

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife underneath and peeling it away completely.
  2. Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels thoroughly.
  3. Trim any excess fat from the edges of the ribs, leaving a thin layer for moisture.
  4. Place the prepared ribs on a large cutting board or work surface.
  5. Combine paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl to make the dry rub.
  6. Stir the spices together until evenly distributed for consistent flavor throughout the sticky pineapple ribs recipe.
  7. Rub olive oil lightly over both sides of the ribs to help the dry rub adhere properly.
  8. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres.
  9. Let the rubbed ribs rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking, or refrigerate overnight if time permits.
  10. Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce in a saucepan to prepare the pineapple glaze.
  11. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, mixing thoroughly.
  12. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
  13. Add fresh pineapple chunks to the glaze and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  14. Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
  15. Place the rubbed ribs bone-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  16. Bake for 2 hours uncovered, allowing the ribs to slowly cook and become tender.
  17. Remove the ribs from the oven and brush the pineapple glaze generously over the top of the ribs using a pastry brush.
  18. Return the ribs to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  19. Remove and apply a second coat of glaze, then bake for an additional 20 minutes.
  20. Increase oven temperature to 325 degrees for final caramelization.
  21. Brush with remaining glaze one final time and bake for 15 minutes until the glaze becomes glossy and sticky.
  22. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

Remove the membrane: The thin membrane on the back of ribs prevents flavors from penetrating and creates an unpleasant chewy texture, so always remove it. Dry your ribs thoroughly: Moisture on the ribs prevents the dry rub from adhering properly, compromising flavor development. Use fresh pineapple juice: Fresh pineapple juice contains natural enzymes that tenderize the meat while adding bright, authentic tropical flavor. Apply glaze in multiple coats: Building up the glaze gradually creates a thicker, stickier coating that caramelizes beautifully. Monitor oven temperature carefully: Consistent heat is crucial for the sticky pineapple ribs recipe, as fluctuations can result in uneven cooking or burning. Rest the ribs before cutting: Allowing your finished ribs to rest for 5 minutes after cooking redistributes juices and prevents them from running out.

  • Author: Amelie Harper
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American BBQ
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 15 grams
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 24 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Fiber: 0.5 grams
  • Protein: 34 grams
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg