How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can marinate the spareribs a day ahead and prepare the pineapple relish a few hours in advance.

Can I substitute pork spareribs with another meat?

Yes, chicken or beef ribs can also be used and will work well with the tocino marinade.

What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as alternatives to rice vinegar.

Is the food coloring necessary?

No, it’s optional and only added for the traditional tocino’s signature red color.

Filipino Tocino Glazed Spareribs with Pineapple Relish

Name: Filipino Tocino Glazed Spareribs with Pineapple Relish
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp salt; Red food coloring; 2 lbs pork spareribs, cut into individual ribs; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime; Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro leaves; Lime wedges

Sweet and tangy spareribs with a tropical twist

A delightful fusion of tender pork spareribs glazed in a sweet and savory tocino marinade, complemented by a fresh and vibrant pineapple relish.

3 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Tocino Marinade

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup pineapple juice

1 tbsp garlic, minced

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

Red food coloring

optional

For the Spareribs

2 lbs pork spareribs, cut into individual ribs

1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Pineapple Relish

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced

1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Salt, to taste

For Garnishing

Fresh cilantro leaves

Lime wedges

Preparation

Marinating the Spareribs

Combine Marinade Ingredients

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the tocino marinade.

Use gloves when handling food coloring to avoid staining your hands.

Marinate the Ribs

Place the spareribs in a large ziplock bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Ensure the ribs are completely covered in the marinade for even flavor absorption.

Preparing the Pineapple Relish

Mix Relish Ingredients

Combine diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl.

Season

Squeeze lime juice over and season with salt to taste.

Chill

Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cooking Process

Grilling the Spareribs

Remove ribs from marinade, pat dry, and grill on medium-high heat until caramelized and fully cooked.

Baking as an Alternative

If grilling isn’t an option, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours, basting occasionally.

Final Glaze

Brush remaining marinade over ribs during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a glossy finish.

Plating & Serving