How to Make the Perfect Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Who doesn’t adore tender, juicy, smoked St. Louis style spare ribs? They’re a total crowd-pleaser! For this recipe, we’re whipping up an incredible Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce that adds the perfect kick of sweetness and spice. Meanwhile, it’s paired with ribs smoked low and slow on a Primo Ceramic Kamado grill for unbeatable flavor. The sauce’s tropical sweetness from pineapple balances the smoky heat of chipotle, creating a fusion that’s bold yet harmonious—perfect for BBQ lovers craving something unique.

For example, this sauce works so well with ribs because the pineapple cuts through the richness while the chipotle adds a smoky depth—it’s a match made in BBQ heaven! Plus, making your own lets you tweak it to your taste. Slather it on chicken, pork, or grilled veggies for a flavor explosion. Ready to impress your crew? Let’s dive in!

Pro Tip: Bookmark this, because once you try it, you’ll want it on everything!

Delicious smoked St. Louis spare ribs glazed with homemade Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce.

Making Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce

The real star here is the Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce—it takes your ribs from good to unforgettable. First, gather your ingredients to keep things smooth. Then, tweak the chipotles—three for a medium kick, more for heat, or fewer for mild. Ready? Here’s what you need.

Ingredients for Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Start by grabbing these:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces fresh ginger, diced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, mashed
• 2 cups pineapple chunks
• 3 whole chipotles in Adobo
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ⅓ cup cane syrup
• ⅓ cup brandy
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground clove
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions for Making the Sauce

First, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Next, toss in the onion and ginger with salt and pepper, cooking until golden, about 5-7 minutes.

Then, stir in the garlic paste and let it sizzle for 30-45 seconds. After that, add pineapple chunks and chipotles, cooking for 3-4 minutes.

Now, pour in the tomatoes and pineapple juice, simmering until reduced by a quarter—about 15-20 minutes.

Once reduced, mix in the Worcestershire, cane syrup, brandy, vinegar, cilantro, and spices. Then, simmer for 30 minutes until thick.

Finally, blend it smooth and split it—one batch for basting, one for dipping. Store leftovers in the fridge for a week or freeze for later!

Tips for Perfecting Your Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Firstly, use ripe pineapple for optimal sweetness. Secondly, adjust the number of chipotles based on your heat tolerance—three for medium, more for spicy, fewer for mild. Finally, blend the sauce thoroughly for a smooth, consistent texture.

Preparing Smoked St. Louis Spare Ribs

While the sauce shines, these ribs are its perfect partner. For instance, their smoky tenderness pairs insanely well with that sweet-spicy kick. Before you start, prep your grill for low-and-slow. Let’s do this!

Rib Rub Ingredients

Here’s the rub lineup:

• Three racks: St. Louis style pork ribs
• 2 tablespoons: Paprika, sage, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, dried orange rind
• 1/4 cup: Light brown sugar, black pepper
• 1 teaspoon: Cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons: Corn starch
• 3 tablespoons: Chili powder, kosher salt

Things You’ll Need

Gather these tools:

• Kamado Grill
• Charcoal starter
• Heat deflector plates
• Grilling tongs

Instructions for Preparing the Ribs

Start by trimming the fat and membrane from the ribs. Next, rub the ribs with olive oil and the seasoning blend, then let them sit for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, set your grill to 225-250°F and add hardwood chunks like hickory for smoke. Then, add a water pan—try half apple cider, half vinegar for a flavor boost.

Now, smoke the ribs for 3-4 hours, checking the water pan every 45 minutes. Once the temp hits 185°F and a probe slides in easily, they’re ready.

Finally, slather on the Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce and cook 15-20 minutes more to caramelize. Rest for 10-15 minutes, then dig in!

Tips for Perfect Smoked St. Louis Spare Ribs

Firstly, removing the membrane ensures the ribs are tender and absorb the rub better. Secondly, let the seasoned ribs sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Finally, keep a close eye on the grill temperature—consistency is key for perfectly smoked ribs.

Serving Up the Fun with Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce

You’ve nailed the Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce and smoked killer ribs—time to feast! For instance, serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Plus, try grilled pineapple slices brushed with sauce for a sweet, smoky side that ties it all together.

Meanwhile, this sauce isn’t just for ribs—drizzle it over grilled chicken or use it as a marinade for pork chops. Furthermore, you can use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings or meatballs. Next time, double the batch and jar it up for gifts—your BBQ crew will thank you! Consequently, your BBQ spread will be the talk of the town! Check out more BBQ sauce ideas for inspiration.

Therefore, whether you’re a BBQ novice or a seasoned pitmaster, this Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Sauce will elevate your grilling game. Drop your thoughts or tweaks in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!