Tropical BBQ slow cooker ribs combine the best of Midwest comfort cooking with a touch of island flair. These ribs carry a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of family gatherings on warm summer days where the grill was always sizzling and the laughter filled the air. The tropical twist brings a burst of mango, pineapple, and a hint of coconut, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory. It's an ideal recipe for those looking to bring a touch of the tropics to their backyard BBQ, even if it's a cozy winter day indoors.
These tropical BBQ ribs pair beautifully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw and buttery cornbread, which absorb the sweet and tangy flavors of the ribs. For a fresher contrast, consider serving with a crisp green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette. And don't forget a scoop of homemade potato salad, just like grandma used to make, to bring the whole meal together!
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Tropical BBQ Slow Cooker Ribs
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 pounds of pork baby back ribs
1 cup of pineapple juice
1/2 cup of mango puree
1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
1/4 cup of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup of shredded coconut (optional)
1 cup of pineapple juice
1/2 cup of mango puree
1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
1/4 cup of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup of shredded coconut (optional)
Directions
1. Start by preparing the ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for a more tender bite.
2. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger. Rub the spices into the meat thoroughly.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, mango puree, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the tropical BBQ sauce over them, making sure they are well coated.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
6. For an extra touch, if you like a bit of crispiness, you can finish the ribs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes.
7. Optional: Sprinkle with shredded coconut before serving for a delightful crunch and extra tropical flavor.
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Variations & Tips
For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. If you prefer beef ribs, this recipe works perfectly with them as well, just adjust the cooking time as needed. Using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish can add a refreshing touch. Lastly, if you're short on time, you can use a store-bought tropical BBQ sauce to save a few steps.