Slow-Smoked Rib Tips with Pineapple Coleslaw
Tender, juicy rib tips smoked low and slow, paired with a tangy pineapple coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 260 minutes pairs pork rib tips, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 rib tips
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups applewood chips
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup crushed, drained pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl. Rub this dry spice mix evenly over 3 lbs pork rib tips, coating all sides thoroughly.
- Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups applewood chips to generate smoke. Place the rib tips on the smoker grate, smoke uncovered for 3.5 to 4 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender.
- Step 3: For the pineapple coleslaw, mix 4 cups shredded green cabbage, 2 cups shredded red cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, and 1 cup crushed, drained pineapple chunks in a large bowl.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and pour over the cabbage mixture. Toss gently to coat all vegetables and pineapple evenly.
- Step 5: Let coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving alongside the smoked rib tips.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Rib Tips with Pineapple Coleslaw take to make?
Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Rib Tips with Pineapple Coleslaw?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork rib tips from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Rib Tips with Pineapple Coleslaw?
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 Slow-Smoked Rib Tips with Pineapple Coleslaw 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 Slow-Smoked Rib Tips with Pineapple Coleslaw?
BBQ & Smoked pork 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.
