Are you planning a trip to Hawai’i and want to try some recipes before you get there? Have you returned home from the island and want to recapture the unique flavors of Hawai’i? I’ve got just the Hawaiian recipes you’ve been looking for.

Hawaiian cuisine has a lot more to offer than many people might be aware of. From succulent Hawaiian BBQ to incredible desserts, island cuisine offers delicious feasts that taste great—and make you feel good. 

In this blog post, I’ll share some of my favorite island recipes, including Hawaiian BBQ delights, traditional Hawaiian recipes, easy and quick dishes, island-inspired grilling recipes, and desserts— beyond pineapple. Hungry yet? Let’s dig in. 

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Hawaiian BBQ Delights

When it comes to Hawaiian specialties, few dishes can match the popularity of Hawaiian BBQ. 

Hawaiian BBQ is a distinctive style of cooking that combines traditional Hawaiian flavors with American-style barbecuing creating a truly unique flavor profile.

This style of cooking has become immensely popular in recent years, with Hawaiian BBQ restaurants popping up all over the country, not just in Hawai’i.

Hawaiian BBQ is characterized by its smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The key ingredients in Hawaiian BBQ are commonly known as the “holy trinity:” soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. This trifecta of flavors is used to marinate and season meats such as chicken, beef, pork, and fish.

If you want Hawaiian BBQ at home, here are two easy recipes to help you get started.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Ingredients

• – 2 lbs. chicken thighs or drumsticks
• – 1/3 cup soy sauce
• – 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• – 2 tablespoons ketchup
• – 2 tablespoons honey
• – 2 cloves garlic, minced
• – 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• – 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• – ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and pepper in a bowl and whisk until combined.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a bowl that has a lid. Pour your marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are covered. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours—ideally overnight.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the bowl or bag of marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Continue to cook the chicken until it is cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F).

Hawaiian BBQ Beef

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. beef chuck roast
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and pepper in a bowl and whisk until combined.
2. Place the beef chuck roast in a resealable bag or bowl with a cover and pour the marinade over the beef. Seal the bag and let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Take the beef out of the marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Grill for about 8-10 minutes per side.
5. Continue to cook the beef until it is cooked (internal temperature reaches 145°F).

When it comes to cooking Hawaiian BBQ, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. Many people find the marinade ingredients very strong, so make sure to use the right amount for your guests. Personally, I could drink the marinade straight LOL  

Use the grill to add the smoky flavor and the marinade to infuse the signature Hawaiian flavors. These recipes should help you achieve a dish that always takes you back to Hawaiian BBQ every time.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Hawaiian Desserts

Hawai’i is home to a wonderful variety of desserts that reflect its unique cultural history and tropical flavors. From classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake to the ever-popular Haupia (Coconut Pudding), Hawaiian desserts are a delightful way to end a meal. Or just enjoy them as an anytime snack. 

Vintage Hawaiian Recipes—Old-School Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This classic Hawaiian dessert is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The sweet tanginess of the pineapple and the buttery cake blend for an unforgettable flavor. Remember to top it off with whipped cream!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 6 slices pineapple
• 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously until dissolved.
3. Arrange pineapple slices over the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts over the pineapple slices.
4. Pour the melted butter and sugar mixture over the pineapple and nuts, spreading it evenly.
5. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and white sugar in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Spread the batter over the pineapple in the cake pan.
8. Bake in preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes until done (toothpick comes out clean).
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Haupia (Coconut Pudding)

Haupia is a classic Hawaiian dessert and one of my all-time favorite Hawaiian recipes. It’s made with coconut milk and sugar. It has a smooth and creamy texture and a heavenly coconut flavor. Depending on how thick or thin you make it, you can serve it as a pudding or cake-like. It is amazing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Add coconut milk and sugar to a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low flame, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture to the coconut milk mixture and continue stirring for about 5 minutes until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the haupia into a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
6. Let the haupia cool in the pan for about an hour before serving. Enjoy!

Variations and Tips

Everyone I know has their own variation on these classic Hawaiian desserts. For example, try adding different fruits to the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, or leave out the pineapple or macadamia nuts, or top with evaporated milk. Play around. Find your favorite. 

For the Haupia, try adding a few drops of food coloring to give the pudding a vibrant hue. Or pandan essence/ extract for a wild ride. 

You can add different fruits, nuts, or other ingredients to your haupia for a special twist.

Taste the Aloha: Traditional Hawaiian Recipes

Hawai’i has been celebrated for its unique culture and flavorful cuisine for centuries. Traditional Hawaiian recipes embrace the local flavor while incorporating distinct elements of Polynesian and Asian influences. Check out these classic Hawaiian dishes!

Kalua Pig/ Kalua Pork

One of the most beloved traditional Hawaiian recipes is Kalua Pig. This dish is an essential part of a traditional Lūʻau— a Hawaiian feast. But this savory pork dish is more than just a traditional symbol. It’s a beloved staple of Hawaiian cuisine that can be enjoyed year-round.

The pork is slow-cooked in an imu, which is an underground oven. It’s rubbed with sea salt and sometimes kukui nut oil, then wrapped in banana leaves and placed in the imu. After cooking for hours, the pork takes on a smoky flavor that’s both tender and juicy.

Poke Bowl

Poke bowls are a popular modern adaptation of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. While the word “poke” means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian, it also refers to cubed raw fish or seafood. This dish is usually served over rice and topped with a variety of vegetables, herbs, sauces, and seasonings. My favorite is the spicy Ahi (tuna) above.

The beauty of poke bowls is that they are an easy way to enjoy the flavors of Hawai’i in one convenient bowl. The combination of ingredients can be tailored to your personal tastes, and the possibilities are endless.

Loco Moco

The Loco Moco is an indulgent dish that’s as fun to say as it is to eat. It’s classic Hawaiian comfort food. Take a bowl of white rice. Top it with hamburger patty. Top the patty with a fried egg and cover the whole thing with savory gravy. Then add some green onions, furikake, or whatever else you desire. It. Is. So. Good. This one broke da mout (Hawaiian Pidgin for unbelievably good food, i.e., food so tasty it “broke the mouth”).

Notice the macaroni salad? That recipe is below and you must try them together.

This dish is a favorite among locals and tourists alike and is a popular dish for when you’re feeling peckish. It’s a great way to enjoy a bit of Hawai’i in the comfort of your own home. 

These dishes are not only popular for their flavors but for their cultural significance as well. They are an important part of Hawaiian culture and are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. When you make these dishes at home, you’re not just making a meal; you’re connecting with the culture and traditions of Hawai’i.

Easy and Quick Hawaiian Recipes

Hawai’i has a rich culinary tradition, but what if you don’t have the time or energy to cook an elaborate meal? Fortunately, there are plenty of quick and easy Hawaiian dishes that are just as delicious. From teriyaki chicken skewers to Spam musubi and macaroni salad, these simple recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings, and give you that taste of home where ever you are.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Teriyaki chicken skewers are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Hawai’i without a lot of fuss. To make them:

1. Simply marinate cubed chicken in a teriyaki sauce and thread them onto skewers.
2. Grill them until they are cooked through, and you have a tasty dinner in no time.
3. Serve with a side of steamed rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Spam Musubi

Spam musubi is arguably the most popular snack in Hawai’i. And with excellent reason—it’s amazing. It’s made with a slice of grilled Spam on a block of rice and wrapped with a strip of nori, like a great big piece of sushi. It’s delicious and filling and a great snack or meal on the go. If you don’t like Spam, you can substitute it with smoked sausage or even a vegan option—but honestly, eat the Spam.

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a beloved side dish in Hawai’i. It is made with cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, and a variety of vegetables. This dish is quick and easy to make, and you can customize it to your liking. The key to a good macaroni salad is to use the freshest vegetables you can find.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb macaroni
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1/4 cup onion, shredded (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups Mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellman’s, no substitutes)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tsp sugar
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni as usual. Once cooked, drain well.
2. Transfer the cooked macaroni to a large bowl (preferably one with a lid for easy refrigeration).
3. While the macaroni is still hot, add the apple cider vinegar, shredded carrots, and shredded onion. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Place the macaroni mixture in the refrigerator and let it cool for 15 minutes.
5. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, and sugar.
6. Take the macaroni mixture from the fridge and fold in the mayonnaise mixture until all the noodles are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover the salad and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
8. Before serving, gently stir the macaroni salad. If needed, add a little more milk, no more than 1-2 tablespoons. Enjoy!

These dishes are proof that great Hawaiian food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be delicious. You can make a meal that is sure to please with a few simple ingredients. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Hawai’i, give these a try.

Hawaiian Cuisine: Island-Inspired Grilling Recipes

Grilling is an integral part of Hawaiian culture and cuisine. Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue or a traditional lū’au, gathering around the grill for a meal is an essential part of aloha life. 

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple

These succulent shrimp skewers are a perfect balance of savory and sweet. To make them, combine shrimp with a marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for a few minutes on each side until they are cooked through.

For an added kick, brush the shrimp with a sweet and spicy glaze made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and sriracha. While not traditional, it’s pretty darn tasty. Serve the shrimp skewers with grilled pineapple wedges and a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.

Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is an iconic Hawaiian dish. Chicken is marinated with a zesty blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil. It’s grilled until it’s golden and charred on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.

When the chicken is done, brush it with a sweet and tangy huli huli sauce. The sauce has a unique flavor that is a blend of soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Serve the chicken with grilled pineapple and steamed rice for a homemade Hawaiian meal.

Grilled Hawaiian Tofu

Tofu may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaiian cuisine, but it can be a delicious addition to the menu. To make grilled Hawaiian tofu, start by marinating cubed tofu in a mixture of, you guess it, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh ginger. Grill the tofu until it’s golden and crispy, then serve with a side of steamed rice and a fresh pineapple salad.

These recipes are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue. The key to great Hawaiian grilling is to take the time to marinate the ingredients and to cook them over a medium-low heat. 

Hawaiian Desserts: Beyond Pineapple

 From sweet cream pies and fluffy cakes to decadent shave ice and traditional poi, Hawai’i offers a world of incredible food. Today, I’ll introduce you to two lesser-known (outside of Hawai’i) Hawaiian desserts featuring unique tropical ingredients: Lilikoi Bars and Coconut Haupia Pie.

Lilikoi Bars

Lilikoi Bars, also known as Passionfruit Bars, is a light and refreshing dessert perfect for summertime. The base of the bars is made with a combination of crushed macadamia nuts, coconut flakes, and melted butter. This is then topped with a creamy passionfruit curd made with fresh passionfruit, sugar, and eggs. The curd is spread over the crust before it’s baked in the oven until golden.

These bars always remind me of summer whenever I eat them. And they’re perfect paired with a cup of coffee! They’re tart and sweet with a hint of nuttiness from the macadamia nuts. The passionfruit curd has a silky texture that melts in your mouth. These bars are a great way to enjoy a bit of Hawai’i in one convenient bowl. 

Coconut Haupia Pie

Coconut Haupia Pie is another classic Hawaiian dessert that is both tasty and aesthetically pleasing. The base of the pie is a classic graham cracker crust topped with a creamy coconut custard. The custard is made with coconut milk, cream of coconut, sugar, and cornstarch. The pie is then topped with a layer of toasted coconut flakes.

It’s light and creamy with a hint of sweetness from the coconut. The toasted coconut flakes give it a fantastic crunchy texture. I’ve been known to eat an entire pie in one sitting—it’s THAT good. It’s pudding in pie-form. Who can resist?

Hawaiian Cuisine + Easy Hawaiian Recipes FAQ

Hawaiian cooking is a great way to explore the flavors of the islands, and it’s easy to recreate the dishes at home. Whether you’re looking for simple and quick dishes or more intricate grilled recipes, Hawaiian cuisine has something for everyone to enjoy. 

The recipes featured in this blog post are just a small sample of the vast culinary possibilities that the islands of Hawai’i have to offer. 

Now you’ll excuse me, but there’s a Spam musubi with my name on it. 

[Additional Image Credits: Kent Buckingham, Like_the_Grand_Canyon, Kirk K, becky berry]

The post Ono Grinds: Exploring Hawaiian Cuisine + Easy Hawaiian Recipes appeared first on EarthSurfer.