These Hawaiian Huli Huli Pork Ribs are sweet, sticky and fall off the bone tender! Made with spice rubbed pork ribs and finished with a pineapple glaze, they’re perfect for potlucks, summer cook outs or weeknight dinner!
“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” – Unknown
Since Father’s day is this weekend, of course I am going to share some dad approved, dude food with you guys today. However, this upcoming day is an emotionally charged one for me. It is a heartbreaking, yet bittersweet holiday for me.
Heartbreaking, because my dad lost his battle with Mesothelioma* two and a half years ago. I was (and always will remain) a huge daddy’s girl. One day I will share my daddy/daughter story with you, because it is one that should be told. But, not today. It is a little too emotionally heavy for the celebration of all the wonderful Father’s out there.
You might be wondering how in the world this day is bittersweet for me. Well, there are two reasons.
First of all, I wouldn’t be here, blogging and sharing delicious recipes, if it wasn’t for my dad. The last promise I ever made to him was to stop talking about starting a food blog, start taking action, and do it (already).
Second, I am fortunate enough to have two dads. I also have a MOD (My.Other.Dad), and he is as close to the real thing as you can get. His love is unconditional and he has been there for me through thick and thin. I am not sure I would have made it through many hard times without him. He has been a rock and a pillar of strength for me. MOD is an extraordinary person and the best second dad a girl could ever hope for.
As you can see, this holiday is one that holds mixed emotions for me. Nevertheless, this day deserves magnificent manly-man food. So let’s get to it.
Both my late father and my MOD love ribs, so naturally that’s what I decided to share with you guys today. But, these aren’t just any plain ole’ ribs.
Huli Huli Pork Ribs
These succulent Hawaiian ribs are super flavorful and ultra tender!
Marinated in a flavorful, tenderizing brine and massaged with a simple, yet savory rub, these BBQ ribs are cooked low and slow to yield meat that is juicy, succulent and fall off the bone tender! Finished with a generous slather of sticky, sweet, sour and slightly spicy Huli Huli glaze, and then placed under the broiler, these ribs are so delicious you will be licking your fingers clean! Wet naps not encouraged. 🙂
What is huli huli pork?
Huli Huli is a Hawaiian dish, traditionally prepared with chicken. Huli huli pork ribs take all the wonderful and authentic flavors of huli huli chicken, such as pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger and garlic, and applies them to ribs. The result? Wickedly delicious pork ribs.
Every Dad deserves to stuff their face with bonafide bodacious Huli Huli Loin Back Pork Ribs. So pamper your dad and show him how much you love him, via his belly, by preparing these for him on Father’s Day. Cheers and happy cooking!
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The best Huli Huli Pork Ribs Recipe👇
Huli Huli Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 Full Racks Pork Baby Back Ribs or Pork Loin Back Ribs (about 3-4 # total)
- 12 Ounces Beer (I used Shock Top)
Brine:
- 4 Cups Cold Water
- 1 ½ Cups Soy Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Kosher Salt
- 1 TBS Vegetable Oil
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 4 Cloves Garlic - Minced
- 1 TBS Ginger – grated
- 4 Cups Ice
Dry Rub:
- 2 ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
Glaze:
- 2 Cup Pineapple Juice
- 1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar , packed
- 1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Ketchup
- ¼ Cup Mirin
- 4 Cloves Garlic – minced
- 2 TBS Ginger – grated
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (can substitute Favorite hot Sauce)
Instructions
- Make the Brine: Combine water, soy sauce, salt, bay leaves, garlic and ginger in a pot large enough to hold ribs. Whisk to combine and bring contents to a boil. Immediately remove from heat, add the ice and let the brine completely cool. Add ribs and refrigerate, covered, for 1-2 hours, turning the ribs occasionally.
- Make the Dry Rub: Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together all ingredients in a medium sized saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer until slightly thicken and glaze will lightly coat the back of a spoon, 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Place a rack insert into a large rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Remove ribs from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Coat the ribs evenly, on both sides, with the dry rub and massage into meat. Transfer ribs to prepared baking sheet or roasting pan and cook until meat is starting to become tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove ribs from oven and pour beer into pan, around ribs being sure not to splash off the dry rub. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Return ribs to oven and continue to cook until fall off the bone tender, an additional 2 hours.
- Remove ribs from oven. Switch oven to broil. Brush top of ribs generously with the glaze. Broil ribs just until the glaze starts to caramelize slightly, about 4 minutes. Remove ribs from oven and brush again, generously with the glaze. Return to oven and broil again until caramelized, an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from oven, transfer to a clean work surface. Cut each slab into 2 rib bone portions and brush or serve with remaining portion of glaze on the side.
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. What a wonderful thing to have taken care of him during his sickness. I would love to hear y’alls story when the time is right. I’m so glad he encouraged you to start your blog; it is such a bright spot. This is the second food you’ve introduced me to. I’ve never heard of huli huli, but man it sounds just wonderful. Another great recipe!
Thank you, Tammy, for the kind, empathetic words! It was SO wonderful being able to care for my dad after his diagnosis. That time together is something I will always be thankful for. And everything I ever create for this blog – its all dedicated to him. 🙂 I’m so glad I can introduce you to new dishes! That totally makes my day and puts a huge smile on my face!! Cheers, pretty lady and warm wishes for a beautiful day!
What a lovely tribute to your late father. My deepest condolences, Cheyanne. Creating NSN and this post is such a great way to not only honor your fathers memory, but it’s also fulfilling a passion of yours – I think that’s a wonderful bright spot 🙂
Such a fabulous post and recipe for fathers day! Any father would be happy to enjoy these 🙂 Thinking of you this weekend.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Kathleen! There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t miss my Dad, but this little slice of the internet, and being in the kitchen, always makes me feel like he is still somehow with me. Hope you have a beautiful weekend, my dear! 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my dad to cancer three years ago and it pretty much sucks. Somehow I’ve managed to be away on a conference or trip every father’s day since and it is definitely easier to be distracted!
Oh, Joanne… I am so sorry for your loss. You know, first hand, how devastating the loss of a parent is. I’m sure your father is unbelievably proud of you, because I am a HUGE fan of your blog and you are one talented lady! I need to take a page from your book and plan to be somewhere distracting every father’s day! Since you will be away, warm wishes for safe travels and a LOT of distraction this weekend! 😉 Cheers, girlie!
What a sweet post, Cheyanne, I know your father is looking down with pride, you have a wonderful blog that you clearly put a lot of hard work into.
Thank you for sharing this recipe, too, it looks incredible.
Thank you for the sweet comment, Sam! Hope you have a great day! Cheers! 🙂
That’s very sad, I am sorry to hear about your father, Cheyanne. I can simply say that I understand how does it feel, but I really don’t. I was so close to my Grandpa and lost him 6 years back, but it still hurts – and feels like it was yesterday only! So I can’t even imagine the pain to lose your father! I am so happy for you that you have MOD with you! And also glad that you listened to your father’s advice and created your beautiful blog. A big bear hug for you! These ribs look drool worthy. A perfect share for father’s day! Happy Father’s Day ! 🙂
Thank you Anu, for the compassionate and kind comment! I’m sorry for the loss of your Grandpa 🙁 I lost mine a while ago as well, and that one stung. It’s never easy to lose someone you love, and you are right, the loss always feels like it was yesterday. I often feel like, “Wow! It’s already been over 2 years?? Feels like yesterday he was…. fill in the blank…” Crazy how time doesn’t stop for anything or anyone. I know your grandpa is looking down and so proud of you! Maybe he is friends up there with my Dad and Gramps! lol How funny would that be?? Cheers, pretty lady and warm wishes for a fabulous week and weekend! Bear hug back at ya! 😉
So sorry about the loss of your dad 🙁 – but I am SO happy you have your awesome MOD to celebrate Father’s Day with to take away some of that sting.
These ribs look killer. Drooling over here AS ALWAYS. Perfect Father’s Day meal :).
Thank you, Annie! It took me a while to realize, my dad wouldn’t want me to be miserable or grieving for the rest of my life. This blog has helped me keep pick up the pieces and still keep his memory alive. Thanks for the kind words! 🙂 Anytime you say I have made you drool –thats a huge compliment!! 🙂 Cheers, my sweets!
Your papa knew what he was doing by encouraging you to write this blog…now we all get to know the sweet you along with the wonderful food you share. I am so sorry for his passing, but so happy to know you have a MOD. This post and these ribs speak volumes of your talent and heart all the way around, dear!
Annie, You are tooooo sweet!! (<---like you could give me a toothache, you are so sweet!) I'm so glad to have "met" you through our blogs! I love reading yours and drooling over your photos and recipes! Cheers, my dear, to a beautiful day!
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of one of your dads. It sounds like he was a great inspiration to you which led you to create the wonderful blog so many people visit. These ribs look fantastic though, definitely fathers day approved!
Thank you, Shelby! He was a wonderful inspiration, and still is 🙂 These ribs are dang good, I know he would have loved them. Thanks for agreeing these are Father’s day approved! Cheers, girlie!
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, Cheyanne. My dad is still with us, but he is in Brazil and I miss him every single day, so I can probably relate (ok, like 10% only!) to your pain. It is a beautiful story that you started your blog because of your dad and I’m sure he would be SO SO SO proud of you because you have an amazing talent for this! Keep up the good work! 🙂
Thank you for the super sweet and kind words, Olivia!! Your dad being so far away, has to be hard (and it is kind of similar!). I hope you guys get the chance to at least talk often? My dad was a huge inspiration and guiding light to almost everything I have accomplished in life. My mother too, and she is still alive, so I count my blessings for that! Plus my MOD! 🙂 You know I adore you and love your blog, so you saying I am talented? HUGE compliment! Thanks for making my day, my sweets!!! *hugs*
Mmm! This looks delicious! You did a little bit of everything here! Dry rub, glaze, AND brine. I love meals that you put a lot of care into. It makes it taste all that much better. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for the kind words, Kennedy! I totally agree, whenever you put TLC into a dish, you can ALWAYS taste the love. Cheers to a fantastic day!
Holy Moly those ribs look good!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading the recipe and the lead-in to it. You are as talented a writer as you are a culinary expert. I am so proud of you! Thanks for the kind words, and, never forget I will always be here for you. Being your “other dad” is a blessing for me. – Love Always – MOD
MOD! Thanks for being you. I love you so very much! 🙂 I’m lucky to have you as my other dad. xoxo
I’m truly sorry for the loss of your dad. Thank goodness you have loved ones in your life who give you reason to smile and help you cope. I have never had huli huli but I’m loving what goes into it. I’m glad you made a pork version because I have a soft spot for slow cooked pork. Pinning.
Thank you for the condolences, Thao! 🙂 You are right, having loved ones near is wonderful and their ability to help us smile and cope is uncomparable. Huli Huli is truly delicious. While mine version is not the real thing, its as close as I am going to get without hoping on a plane to Hawaii! The pork with the huli huli glaze is really delicious, I actually prefer the pork to the chicken. Thanks for the kind words and the pin! Oh, and for making me smile! Cheers, Thao! Warm wishes for a wonderful day.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father, but glad that cooking in honor of him can bring some joy!
Thank you so much, Dani! Cooking always does make me feel close to him, despite his lack of being here. 🙂 Cheers to a beautiful week!
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad but so nice to hear about your MOD. He sounds wonderful and so do these ribs. Every dad would love these, they look incredible and full of flavor!
Thank you for the sweet words, Kelly! 🙂 My MOD is pretty dang wonderful, I consider myself a lucky lady! Cheers to a wonderful week!
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. . but thanks for sharing these delicious huli huli pork ribs!! I hope you are surrounded by love and friends on Sunday!
Thank you Alice! I actually will be surrounded by friends and family, we are celebrating my MOD’s birthday and Father’s day over the weekend. So I will be okay 🙂 Hope you have a terrific week and weekend with your family! Cheers, pretty lady!
So sorry about your dad.
I think every dad must love ribs. They are the perfect thing to cook for Father’s Day. The flavors you used for these ribs sound amazing together!
Thank you, Christin! I’m glad you agree ribs are perfect for Father’s Day… there is just something manly about ribs. Right? Maybe it’s the bone and the mess they make? Wishing you a wonderful week and Cheers! 🙂
Oh such a sad context…but on the other hand, such a bright post!
And that’s great you ended up being a blogger because otherwise we food blogger’s world would have been one talented folk less. And I wouldn’t have been becoming a carnivorous dude too:) Nope, I haven’t been converted yet, but all your meat stuff always looks so succulent and scrumptious that it could easily spruce up a magazine’s cover! Importantly, I’ve shown a few yours meat posts to my significant person, and I’m afraid to do that again since his eyes were insanely shining – a dangerous sign! 🙂 Well done, well done!
Thanks for the kind words, Ben! You always know how to put a smile on this girl’s face! I’m not sure I want to completely transform you into a carnivorous dude.. because I like you just the way you are. Plus, you make killer salads and scrumptious treats with lavendar. I need your non-carnivorous posts in my life! Your significant other, however… I might need to borrow him! lol 😉 Cheers, my friend! *hugs*
Cheyanne, I’m so glad you listened to your father’s advice and created your blog. It’s such a delicious retreat for us foodies – I know your dad would love NSN and be so proud of you. Sending you many hugs this Father’s Day <3
As for these pork ribs, they look absolutely mouthwatering. I love that you did the rub/marinade on pork ribs rather than chicken. I don't know if this is just my personal experience or whatnot, but I find that chicken is not as receptive to marinades as pork or beef tends to be. The chicken definitely comes out more flavorful, but not as fantastically as pork or beef tends to. I can imagine the soy, ginger, and sugar really seeping into these ribs and making them taste so unbelievable! Fabulous job, Cheyanne!
Thank you for the kind words and the hugs, Beeta! <3
I totally agree with you that beef and pork tend to be more receptive and hold the flavors of marinades better... but it never stops me from trying to make chicken have that "meaty" flavor via a marinade. I think we all try to make chicken juicy and tasty considering its economical and healthy. Hawaiian flavors have been a favorite of mine in cuisine ever since my family vacationed on some of their islands. I just LOVE their culture and food. I HAVE to go back one day. But, until that day, I will be trying to recreate all the islands have to offer in my kitchen. 🙂 Cheers, my dear and thank you again for being so sweet! xo
Love me some ribs and Hawaiian food so thanks for combining the two and sharing the recipe 🙂 Lots of hugs and kisses for you this weekend. I just know your Dad is looking over you and proud of all your hard work and what you have accomplished with your blog. xoxo
Thanks Karrie, I apprechiate all the love and kind words. You are a fantastic #Bestie. xoxoxo
It is indeed a bittersweet story, losing a dad must be a terrible thing, but finding a MOD must likewise be awesome 🙂
Funny they both like ribs, however looking at those I could hardly imagine someone not liking them.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Thanks, Emanuele. Life is what you make out of it, and how you choose to look at things. You are right, losing a dad is terrible, but having a MOD is wonderful. I feel fortunate to have been so close to my dad and blessed to have a second. I know some people aren’t given the opportunity to get to know their father, let alone get to have a bond with TWO. 🙂 These ribs are seriously delish, but of course, I am biased! Cheers and warm wishes for a fantastic week!
Any and every dad would devour these. Loving the flavors and this needs to happen here over the summer for sure. Love your posts, always so well written:)
Thank you so much, Matt! Huge compliment, coming from you – THE “real Dad” of the food blog world! 😉 Cheers, and warm wishes for a wonderful Father’s day (way in advance, I know)!
Girl I love ribs and these looks absolutely yummy! thanks for another great recipe! hugs!
Thank you so much, G! Hugs back! xo
dude food – um, always up for that! this looks great!
You and me both, Naomi! Thank you and Cheers!
Is it wrong that I am happy that my dad lives in a different country so that I can make these ALL for myself and not share?
Don’t answer that.
These look and sound amazing! Pinned!
I can understand not wanting to share, because these ribs are spectacular! Thanks for the kind words and the pin! Cheers, Taylor!
These ribs looks awesome. Never heard of huli huli before. Looking forward to trying them. Sorry about the loss of your Father. That must be very hard. Glad your MOD can be there for you – that is truly wonderful!
Thanks, Liz. I fell in love with all things Hawaiian after my family vacationed there, and ever since, I just CAN’T get enough of their cuisine up in my belly! Thank you for the condolences.. it was beyond hard to lose him, but every time I blog or develop a recipe I know he is there with me. So in a way, this blog saved me from a very dark place after his death. And yes, having a MOD is wonderful 😉 Cheers, pretty lady!
I can’t imagine how hard it must be to lose your dad. Hugs, friend. I’m so glad that he encouraged you to start NSN! I did indeed think huli huli who? What a fun name and these ribs are definitely dude food. Chris and I would both love these and I’m not a dude! 🙂 I’ve never actually cooked ribs in the oven because we always end up putting them on the smoker. This is definitely going on to do list. At least then I can say huli huli! 🙂 Pinned!
Thanks, Rachelle. Losing my Dad was THE hardest thing I have ever been through. But I was really fortunate. He moved in with my husband and myself after his diagnosis. I got to take care of him and hold his hand as he left this world for a better place. I will forever be thankful for that.
By Dude food, I didn’t mean you have to BE a dude. Because, shoot. I’d be screwed, because I totally went to town on these Ribs. 🙂 If you do try them in the oven, let me know how they turn out. I imagine you could totally use your smoker though, transfer them to a sheet pan, slather on the glaze and place em under the broiler or straight onto a grill for a few. Cheers, girlie!