Easy Hawaiian Guava BBQ Ribs Recipe

Nothing beats tender, fall-off-the-bone Hawaiian Guava BBQ Ribs with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. This easy Instant Pot ribs recipe is a game-changer—it’s quick, foolproof, and packed with island-inspired flavors.

The secret? Guava puree! It adds a tropical twist to classic BBQ sauce, creating the ultimate Hawaiian-style ribs that will have your ohana (family) coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & Easy: Cooks in under an hour thanks to the Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
Tropical Flavor: The guava puree + honey combo brings out a fruity, caramelized glaze.
Perfect for BBQs & Parties: Aloha vibes in every bite!

Quick Prep & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Total Time: 53 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

1 rack of pork ribs
1 ½ cups water
½ cup apple cider vinegar (tenderizes the meat)
1 tbsp garlic salt (or to taste)
1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s works great!)
¼ cup Hawaiian guava puree
3-4 tbsp Hawaiian Honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
1 tbsp ketchup

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:

1 tsp smoked paprika (for a deeper BBQ taste)
1 tsp chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
½ tsp ground ginger (to enhance the tropical vibes)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ribs

• Cut your rack of ribs in half and trim off any excess fat or membrane.
  

Step 2: Pressure Cook for Ultimate Tenderness

• Place the ribs in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
  
• Add water, apple cider vinegar, and garlic salt.
  
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
  
• Let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining steam.
  

Step 3: Make the Guava BBQ Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, guava puree, honey, and ketchup.
  
• If you like a spicier glaze, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  

Step 4: Broil for That Sticky, Caramelized Finish

• Preheat your oven to broil (high heat).
  
• Place ribs on a lined baking sheet and generously baste with half of the guava BBQ sauce.
  
• Broil for 5 minutes to get that crispy, caramelized top.
  
• Flip the ribs, brush on the remaining sauce, and broil for another 3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

With Steamed Rice - Classic Hawaiian plate lunch vibes.
With Mac Salad - The creamy texture pairs perfectly with tangy ribs.
With Fresh Pineapple Salsa - For an extra tropical punch!

Pro Tips for the Best Hawaiian Guava BBQ Ribs

For the best flavor, marinate overnight! Coat the ribs in the sauce and refrigerate overnight before cooking. This infuses every bite with that signature guava BBQ sweetness.

No Instant Pot? No problem! Cook the ribs low & slow in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5 hours, then broil for 5 minutes.

Like it spicy? Add a dash of Hawaiian chili pepper water for heat.

Want more authentic Hawaiian recipes like this? Download our FREE Hawaiian Recipe e-book featuring island-inspired dishes, tropical desserts, and secret sauces that bring the taste of Hawaii to your home!