Charcoal-Grilled Ribs with Tangy Pineapple BBQ Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork ribs slow-cooked over charcoal, glazed with a tropical pineapple barbecue sauce that adds bright sweetness to smoky meat. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 255 minutes blends pork ribs, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this dry spice mix all over 3 lbs pork ribs, ensuring an even coating. Let rest refrigerated for 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Prepare a charcoal grill for indirect heat at approximately 275°F. Place the ribs bone side down on the cooler side of the grill and cover. Cook low and slow for 3 hours, maintaining the temperature.
  3. Step 3: While ribs cook, mix 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thick and syrupy.
  4. Step 4: After 3 hours, brush the ribs generously with the pineapple BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 30 minutes over indirect heat, basting every 10 minutes to build layers of flavor and caramelization.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from grill, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice between the bones and serve with remaining sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Ribs with Tangy Pineapple BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Ribs with Tangy Pineapple BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Ribs with Tangy Pineapple BBQ Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Ribs with Tangy Pineapple BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Ribs with Tangy Pineapple BBQ Sauce?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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