Mango Pineapple Pork Ribs

Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

• 2-3 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Mango Pineapple Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh mango, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken, if needed)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ribs:

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Season the ribs: In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs.
3. Sear the ribs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the ribs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
4. Wrap and cook: Place the seared ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil, wrap tightly, and place on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until tender.

Prepare the Mango Pineapple Glaze:

1. In a saucepan, combine pineapple, mango, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (optional), and water. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Cook the sauce: Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fruits break down and the sauce thickens slightly. For a thicker glaze, dissolve 1 tbsp cornstarch in a little water and stir it into the sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Blend (optional): If you prefer a smooth glaze, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth.

Glaze the Ribs:

1. Remove the ribs from the oven, carefully unwrap them, and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
2. Brush the glaze generously over the ribs. Place the ribs back in the oven, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes to caramelize the glaze. You can also broil them for 3-5 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn.

Serve:

• Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Serve with extra mango pineapple glaze on the side.

Enjoy your tropical-flavored Mango Pineapple Pork Ribs!