Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food with an island vibe: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs! Imagine tender, pull-apart pork ribs infused with a sweet and savory Hawaiian-style sauce, featuring juicy pineapple and a bouquet of tangy, garlicky notes. This recipe transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something exotic and satisfying, all with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just craving something cozy on a chilly evening, these ribs bring a taste of the tropics right to your dinner table.

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delicious recipe proves just how rewarding a handful of essential ingredients can be! Each component brings something unique to the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs—from bold flavor and irresistible sweetness to that signature sticky glaze and vibrant color. Here’s what makes each one special:

Pork baby back ribs (3 lbs): The star of the show; these ribs get irresistibly tender after slow cooking and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Pineapple juice (1 cup): Provides that signature tropical sweetness and natural tenderizing power for the meat.
Soy sauce, low sodium (1/2 cup): Adds deep, savory notes and balances the sweetness—be sure to opt for low sodium!
Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Caramelizes with the sauce for a rich, sticky coating you’ll want to lick right off your fingers.
Ketchup (1/4 cup): Lends tang and body to the sauce, helping it cling to every rib.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Brightens up the sauce and balances the sweet and salty elements perfectly.
Minced garlic (1 tbsp): Punches up the flavor with aromatic depth; fresh is best, but jarred also works in a pinch.
Fresh ginger, grated (1 tsp): Adds warmth and a subtle zing—don’t skip this secret weapon!
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Brings gentle heat to round out the taste.
Pineapple chunks, fresh or canned, drained (1 cup): Pop these on top for bursts of sweetness and gorgeous presentation.
Sliced green onions, for garnish: Give a final pop of color and a fresh bite; they’re also great for visual appeal.
Cooked rice, for serving: The perfect base to soak up every last drop of that mouthwatering sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs

Step 1: Whisk Up the Hawaiian Sauce

Kick things off by whisking together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This vibrant mix will become your signature Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs sauce—fragrant, sweet, salty, and boldly tropical. Don’t be afraid to take a quick taste! It should feel like a vacation for your palate.

Step 2: Layer the Ribs in Your Slow Cooker

Grab your baby back ribs, cut into sections of three for easy handling, and arrange them snugly in your slow cooker. Make sure every rib has some contact with the bottom for even cooking—this will ensure perfect tenderness throughout.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Pineapple Chunks

Pour your beautifully balanced Hawaiian sauce all over the ribs, making sure each piece gets coated. Then, scatter your pineapple chunks on top. These little bursts of fruit will caramelize as the ribs cook, adding gorgeous flavor and tropical flair to your final dish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Fall-Apart Perfection

Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the ribs are incredibly tender and nearly falling apart—your house will smell absolutely incredible as they cook. It’s the ultimate exercise in patience, but totally worth it.

Step 5: Optional Finish—Sticky Glaze Under the Broiler

If you love your Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs with a caramelized, sticky glaze, don’t skip this step. Transfer the finished ribs to a baking sheet, brush with some of that luscious sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbling and glossy. Watch closely so they don’t burn—this is where sticky magic happens!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pile those fork-tender ribs on fluffy white rice and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Pour some extra sauce over everything, and serve hot for maximum wow-factor. Now dig in, and savor all those tropical flavors!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkle of sliced green onions instantly brightens up your platter of Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs, adding a hint of fresh crunch. For extra pizzazz, scatter a few toasted sesame seeds or a bit of finely chopped cilantro. These fresh touches make every plate look and taste even better.

Side Dishes

White steamed rice is an absolute must—the perfect fluffy canvas for soaking up every bit of that tangy-sweet sauce. Want more? Try serving alongside a vibrant tropical slaw, oven-roasted sweet potatoes, or some simple sautéed greens. All these sides play up the warm, sunny flavors of your Hawaiian main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling festive? Serve your Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs on a big platter lined with banana leaves or let everyone build their own “island plate” with a scoop of rice, a few ribs, and pineapple chunks. For casual gatherings, try them slider-style: shred the meat and pile it inside small rolls with a dash of sauce and some crunchy slaw. Your guests will love the interactive, tropical vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs store beautifully! Simply transfer any extras (including sauce) to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen as they rest, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even better than dinner—a true bonus for forward-thinking home cooks.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Let the ribs cool completely, then wrap them tightly or pack into a freezer-safe container with the sauce. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that craveable tenderness.

Reheating

To revive your Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs, gently warm them (with sauce) in a covered baking dish at 300°F until heated through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick fix. If you want to refresh that beautiful glaze, finish briefly under the broiler again—just like when they were first made!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Absolutely! While baby back ribs are classic, you can also use spare ribs or even country-style pork ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness and fat content of your chosen cut.

Is there a substitute for pineapple juice?

If you’re out of pineapple juice, look for apple juice or orange juice as a stand-in—they’ll alter the flavor a bit, but you’ll retain that essential sweet, fruity base for your Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Definitely! Make the ribs a day in advance, then refrigerate. Gently reheat with the sauce just before serving and finish under the broiler for that signature glaze. This works wonderfully for stress-free entertaining.

Does this recipe work with boneless pork?

You can use boneless country-style ribs or even pork shoulder if you like, though you might lose a bit of the presentation wow-factor. Just adjust your cooking time as boneless cuts often cook a little faster.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, as long as your slow cooker can fit the doubled amount without overcrowding! Try to keep the ribs in a single layer if possible, adding about 30 extra minutes to the cooking time if your cooker is very full.

Final Thoughts

Once you discover how ridiculously easy and delicious Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs are, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory with a sunny, island feel. Give it a try—you might just create a new family favorite in your own kitchen!

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs Recipe