Guava BBQ Ribs from Pollo Tropical feature tender, slow-cooked ribs glazed with a sweet and tangy guava barbecue sauce, showcasing a vibrant reddish-brown glaze and a juicy, fall-off-the-bone texture.
Equipments
- Oven or smoker
- Roasting pan or baking tray
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Saucepan
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup guava paste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 cup water
The key to achieving the authentic Guava BBQ Ribs flavor lies in balancing the sweetness of guava paste with the tanginess from apple cider vinegar and the depth of Worcestershire sauce. Use kosher salt and smoked paprika to enhance the meat's natural flavors while ensuring your ribs have a juicy, fall-off-the-bone texture by slow-cooking them at a low temperature in the oven or smoker. When preparing the sauce, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices like ground cumin and coriander to replicate the complex taste profile perfectly. Be sure to baste the ribs generously with the sauce during cooking to build up a vibrant reddish-brown glaze. Your Guava BBQ Ribs copycat menu will closely mirror Pollo Tropical's iconic offering by carefully following these ingredient guidelines.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Remove membrane from ribs and pat dry.
- Rub spice mixture evenly over both sides of ribs.
- Place ribs on a foil-lined roasting pan or baking tray, meat side up.
- Cover ribs with aluminum foil, sealing edges.
- Bake ribs for 2½–3 hours, until tender.
- Combine guava paste, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, cumin, allspice, coriander, and water in a saucepan.
- Whisk over medium heat until guava paste dissolves and sauce is smooth; simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove ribs from oven and discard foil.
- Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush ribs generously with guava BBQ sauce.
- Return ribs to oven, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes, basting once more halfway, until glaze is caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
- Slice ribs on a cutting board and serve with extra guava BBQ sauce.
Substitution
Guava BBQ Ribs from Pollo Tropical copycat recipes deliver a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors using guava paste and a blend of aromatic spices. If guava paste is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mixture of mango or apricot preserves combined with a splash of lime juice to mimic the tropical sweetness. When smoking is not an option, the oven method with slow roasting and periodic basting ensures tender, juicy ribs with a fall-off-the-bone texture. Your choice of a meat thermometer helps achieve precise doneness, preventing undercooked or dry ribs. Using a silicone basting brush allows even application of the guava barbecue glaze, enhancing the vibrant reddish-brown finish.
Tips
Make sure to remove the tough membrane from the back of the ribs before seasoning to ensure tenderness and better flavor absorption. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for around 190-203degF (88-95degC) for perfect fall-off-the-bone texture. When simmering the guava BBQ sauce, whisk constantly to dissolve the guava paste completely and prevent burning. Resting the ribs for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful for your enjoyment.
Nutritions
Guava BBQ Ribs from Pollo Tropical provide a rich source of protein from the slow-cooked pork baby back ribs, which supports muscle repair and growth. The guava barbecue sauce combines the natural antioxidants and vitamin C from guava paste with spices like cumin and allspice, enhancing immune health and digestion. Your meal includes moderate sodium from kosher salt and soy sauce, balancing flavor with daily intake recommendations. This dish delivers a flavorful, nutrient-dense option suitable for a satisfying and wholesome protein dinner.
Storage
Store leftover Guava BBQ Ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and flavor. Your ribs will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge; reheat gently in the oven at 300degF (150degC) covered with foil to preserve moisture. For longer storage, freeze the ribs wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute guava paste with mango puree for a tropical twist that maintains sweetness while adding a slightly tangy flavor. Instead of baking, try smoking the ribs at 225degF for 4-5 hours to infuse a rich smoky aroma and enhance tenderness. For a spicier sauce, increase the hot sauce to 1 tablespoon or add finely chopped fresh habanero peppers to the glaze. Using a meat thermometer ensures your ribs reach the ideal internal temperature of 195degF for fall-off-the-bone perfection.
Allergies
Your Guava BBQ Ribs contain soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, which may trigger allergies related to soy and fish ingredients. The ribs also use spices such as cumin and coriander that can cause sensitivity in some individuals. Always check ingredient labels carefully if you have known food allergies or intolerances before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Guava BBQ Ribs from Pollo Tropical are popular for their unique blend of sweet guava glaze and smoky barbecue flavors, creating a mouthwatering experience that balances tanginess and savoriness. The ribs are tender and juicy, offering a satisfying texture that complements the rich sauce perfectly. Your taste buds will appreciate the tropical twist that sets this dish apart from traditional BBQ ribs. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this beloved flavor at home, saving you a trip while enjoying a gourmet meal.