Maple-Glazed BBQ Ribs with Charred Pineapple Salsa
Tender pork ribs slathered in a sweet maple BBQ glaze paired with a vibrant charred pineapple salsa for a smoky-sweet finish. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 200 minutes blends pork baby back 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork baby back ribs
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 small jalapeño pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp garlic powder in a bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly over the 3 lbs pork baby back ribs.
- Step 2: Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
- Step 3: While ribs bake, prepare the maple BBQ glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp yellow mustard in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: For the salsa, char 1 cup pineapple chunks and 1 medium red bell pepper on a hot grill or skillet until blackened in spots, about 5 minutes. Dice the grilled pineapple and pepper along with 1 small minced jalapeño, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Mix well.
- Step 5: Remove ribs from oven and brush generously with the maple BBQ glaze. Broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the glaze, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 6: Serve the glazed ribs topped with the charred pineapple salsa for a bright, smoky-sweet contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed BBQ Ribs with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed BBQ Ribs with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
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 Maple-Glazed BBQ Ribs with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
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 Maple-Glazed BBQ Ribs with Charred Pineapple Salsa 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 Maple-Glazed BBQ Ribs with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
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.
