Caramelized Pork Ribs with Pineapple

A glossy, sweet–savory dish with tender ribs and juicy pineapple that hits every taste bud.

Ingredients

For 3–4 servings:

• 700–800 g pork ribs, cut into small pieces

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp minced shallots

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1.5 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp sugar (or caramel sauce if you prefer)

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• ½ cup water (add more if needed)

• 1 tbsp cooking oil

• Green onions for topping

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Instructions

1. Prep the ribs

Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities.
Drain, rinse, and let dry.

2. Make the caramel base

Heat 2 tbsp sugar in a pan over medium heat until it melts and turns amber.
Add 1 tbsp oil and swirl gently.
(This is what gives the ribs that deep golden color.)

3. Sear the ribs

Add the ribs to the caramel mixture.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they’re coated and start browning.

4. Build the flavor

Add garlic, shallots, and onions.
Stir until fragrant.
Then pour in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, and paprika.
Mix well.

5. Add water and simmer

Pour in half a cup of water.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes until ribs turn tender.
Stir occasionally so they don’t burn.

6. Add pineapple

When the sauce thickens, add the pineapple chunks.
Stir and continue simmering for another 5–7 minutes until the pineapple softens and releases its tangy sweetness.

7. Finish

Reduce the sauce to your preferred thickness.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

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Why this dish is a banger

• Sweet caramel + salty fish sauce = classic Vietnamese flavor combo.

• Pineapple adds acidity that tenderizes the ribs naturally.

• Glossy sauce sticks to every piece—dinner instantly levelled up.