Hawaiian style sweet and sour spare ribs recipe is perfect for those who love the balance of tangy sweetness and succulent meat. With a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple, this marinade will infuse the ribs with flavor and tenderize the meat. Whether you prefer grilling or baking, this recipe will leave you with juicy and delicious spare ribs that are perfect for any occasion.
Guide to Making the Perfect Hawaiian Style Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs Recipe

Ingredients:
- Spare ribs (amount based on desired serving size)
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowls
- Grill or oven
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the spare ribs in the mixing bowl and ensure they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- After marinating, remove the ribs from the bowl and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake the ribs in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through. Alternatively, you can grill the ribs over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes on each side or until they are cooked to your liking.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, ketchup, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Brush the sweet and sour glaze onto the ribs during the last 10 minutes of cooking, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Once cooked, remove the ribs from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Delicious Variations to Try with Your Hawaiian Style Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs
Grilling vs. Baking
One of the easiest ways to experiment with your sweet and sour spare ribs is by switching up the cooking method. Grilling is an excellent option for those who love a smoky and charred taste, while baking is ideal for those who prefer a more tender and juicy texture. Grilling your ribs will impart a smoky flavor that pairs well with the tangy and sweet sauce. On the other hand, baking your ribs will result in a more tender texture that is perfect for soaking up the sweet and sour sauce.

Vegetarian or Vegan Options
If you don’t eat meat, you can still enjoy the sweet and sour flavors of this dish. One option is to substitute the spare ribs with tofu or tempeh. Both of these options are high in protein and will absorb the sweet and sour sauce beautifully. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as eggplant or portobello mushrooms, for a meatless version of this classic dish.
Fusion Flavors
For those who love to experiment with flavors, incorporating elements from other culinary traditions can take this dish to a whole new level. For instance, you can try adding Korean gochujang paste for a spicy kick or Chinese five-spice powder for a more complex flavor profile. You can also incorporate Mexican flavors by adding a touch of chipotle or using adobo sauce. These fusion flavors will give your sweet and sour spare ribs a unique twist that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Elevate Your Cooking with These Tips and Tricks for Hawaiian Style Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs Recipe
Succulent, fall-off-the-bone sweet and sour spare ribs are a true crowd-pleaser. But how do you achieve that perfect balance of tangy sweetness and juicy meat? The secret lies in the marinating process. Marinating is crucial to infuse the ribs with flavor and tenderize the meat.
For maximum flavor penetration, prepare the marinade a day before and let the ribs soak in it overnight. A good marinade should include an acid (pineapple juice, vinegar), a sweetener (brown sugar, honey), and aromatics (garlic, ginger). For a tropical twist, try adding a splash of coconut milk or soy sauce.
Now comes the fun part – basting and glazing. Basting the ribs with the sweet and sour sauce during cooking not only enhances the flavor but also helps with caramelization. To make the sauce, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch in a saucepan and cook until thickened. Once the ribs are cooked, brush them generously with the sauce and broil them for a few minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
Conclusion
The Hawaiian style sweet and sour spare ribs recipe is a classic dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a meatless option or want to experiment with fusion flavors, there are endless possibilities to elevate this dish. With the right marinade and glaze, you can create succulent and flavorful spare ribs that will delight your taste buds.
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