My buddy from Hawaii introduced me to this dish and now it’s on repeat at our place!

Growing up in the heart of the Midwest, we often relied on family traditions and hearty, home-cooked meals to bring everyone together. This Hawaiian-Style Slow Cooker Ribs recipe is a delightful blend of Midwestern comfort and tropical flavors, brought together through the ease of a slow cooker. The tangy-sweet sauce with a hint of pineapple transports you straight to an island getaway, making it perfect for those who seek a bit of adventure in their daily meals without sacrificing the comfort of home-cooked goodness. This dish is perfect for a family gathering or a quiet Sunday dinner, evoking memories of leisurely summer barbecues and warm kitchen conversations.

These Hawaiian-Style Slow Cooker Ribs pair wonderfully with a side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad, adding a crisp contrast to the tender meat. For an even heartier meal, you might add a scoop of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes or a serving of sweet corn on the cob. Don’t forget a slice of homemade cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce. A chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade complements this meal beautifully, making it perfect for a laid-back evening on the porch.

Hawaiian-Style Slow Cooker Ribs

Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

3 lbs pork ribs

1 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp water

Directions:

1. Prepare your ribs by trimming any excess fat and cutting them into manageable sections if needed.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, onion, ketchup, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper until well combined.

3. Place the ribs in your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them, making sure they are well coated.

4. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or until the ribs are tender and the meat is pulling away from the bone.

5. Once the ribs are done, remove them from the slow cooker and set them aside on a platter.

6. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.

7. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

8. Brush the thickened sauce over the ribs before serving, ensuring they are generously coated.

Variations & Tips

For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. If you prefer beef ribs, this recipe works just as well with them—just adjust the cooking time as needed. For a more tropical twist, you can add some pineapple chunks in the last hour of cooking. Serve these ribs over a bed of steamed rice for a Hawaiian-inspired rib bowl.