Hawaiian BBQ: A Guide to the Aloha State’s Grilling Culture

If you love grilling and barbecue, you might want to try something different from the usual American, Korean, or Japanese styles. How about Hawaiian BBQ? This unique and delicious cuisine is a fusion of various influences from the Pacific islands, Asia, and America. It reflects the rich and diverse culture of Hawaii, as well as its tropical climate and abundant natural resources.

In this article, we will explore what Hawaiian BBQ is, how it originated, what are its main ingredients and flavors, how to make it at home, how to enjoy it like a local, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of this amazing grilling culture that will make you say aloha!

What is Hawaiian BBQ?

Hawaiian BBQ, also known as huli-huli or luau-style barbecue, is a type of cooking that involves grilling meat or seafood over an open fire, usually with a sweet and tangy sauce or marinade. It is not to be confused with traditional Hawaiian food, which is based on native ingredients like taro, poi, fish, and pork cooked in an underground oven called an imu.

Hawaiian BBQ is more influenced by the immigrants who came to Hawaii from various countries like Japan, China, Korea, Portugal, and the Philippines. They brought with them their own cooking methods, spices, sauces, and flavors that blended with the local ingredients and tastes. Hawaiian BBQ also incorporates elements from American barbecue, such as using ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

The history and origins of Hawaiian BBQ

The term “huli-huli” means “turn-turn” in Hawaiian. It refers to the technique of turning the meat over a fire using a spit or a grill. This method was popularized by Ernest Morgado, a businessman who started selling grilled chicken at a farmer’s market in 1955. He used a secret sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice. His chicken was so popular that he trademarked the name “huli-huli” and started mass-producing the sauce.

The term “luau-style” barbecue comes from the Hawaiian word “luau”, which means a feast or a party. A luau is a traditional celebration that involves music, dancing, games, and food. One of the most common dishes served at a luau is kalua pig, which is a whole pig cooked in an imu for several hours until it becomes tender and smoky. Other dishes include laulau (pork or fish wrapped in taro leaves), poke (raw fish salad), lomi-lomi salmon (salted salmon with tomatoes and onions), poi (mashed taro), haupia (coconut pudding), and more.

The main ingredients and flavors of Hawaiian BBQ

Hawaiian BBQ uses a variety of meats and seafoods that are available in Hawaii. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Chicken: Chicken is often marinated in huli-huli sauce or teriyaki sauce (a Japanese sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sake) before grilling. It can be grilled whole or cut into pieces.
• Pork: Pork is another common meat used for Hawaiian BBQ. It can be cooked as kalua pig in an imu or as ribs marinated in hoisin sauce (a Chinese sauce made with soybeans, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and spices) or honey mustard sauce. It can also be grilled as chops or tenderloin.
• Beef: Beef is usually grilled as steaks, burgers, or short ribs. It can be marinated in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sugar or in a Korean-style sauce called kalbi (made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and pear juice).
• Seafood: Seafood is abundant in Hawaii and often grilled as well. Some of the most popular seafoods are shrimp, mahi-mahi (a type of fish), salmon, tuna, and squid. They can be marinated in lemon juice, garlic, butter, or a spicy sauce called sriracha (a Thai sauce made with chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt).

Hawaiian BBQ also uses a lot of fruits and vegetables that add freshness and sweetness to the dishes. Some of the most common ones are:

• Pineapple: Pineapple is the quintessential fruit of Hawaii and Hawaiian BBQ. It can be grilled as slices or chunks and served with the meat or seafood. It can also be used to make sauces, salsas, or desserts.
• Coconut: Coconut is another tropical fruit that is widely used in Hawaiian cuisine. It can be used to make coconut milk, cream, oil, or flakes that add richness and flavor to the dishes. It can also be used to make desserts like haupia or pies.
• Papaya: Papaya is a sweet and juicy fruit that can be eaten raw or grilled. It can also be used to make salads, salsas, or sauces. Papaya also contains an enzyme called papain that helps tenderize meat.
• Mango: Mango is a fragrant and delicious fruit that can be eaten raw or grilled. It can also be used to make salads, salsas, or sauces. Mango adds a tropical touch to any dish.
• Onion: Onion is a staple vegetable that adds flavor and crunch to many dishes. It can be grilled as rings or slices and served with the meat or seafood. It can also be used to make sauces, salsas, or salads.
• Cabbage: Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is often used to make coleslaw, a popular side dish for Hawaiian BBQ. Coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It adds a refreshing and creamy contrast to the grilled dishes.

How to make Hawaiian BBQ at home

Making Hawaiian BBQ at home is not difficult if you have the right equipment and ingredients. Here are some tips and steps to follow:

The equipment and tools you need

To make Hawaiian BBQ at home, you will need:

• A grill: You can use a gas grill, a charcoal grill, or an electric grill to cook your meat or seafood. Make sure you preheat your grill to the right temperature and clean it before and after use.
• A thermometer: You will need a thermometer to check the doneness of your meat or seafood. You can use an instant-read thermometer or a probe thermometer that stays in the food while it cooks.
• A brush: You will need a brush to apply your sauce or marinade to your meat or seafood while it grills. You can use a silicone brush or a pastry brush for this purpose.
• A spatula: You will need a spatula to flip your meat or seafood on the grill. You can use a metal spatula or a wooden spatula for this purpose.
• A knife: You will need a knife to cut your meat or seafood into pieces if needed. You can use a chef’s knife or a paring knife for this purpose.
• A cutting board: You will need a cutting board to chop your fruits and vegetables for your sauces, salsas, or salads. You can use a plastic cutting board or a wooden cutting board for this purpose.

The best meats and vegetables to use

To make Hawaiian BBQ at home, you will need:

• Chicken: Chicken is one of the easiest and most versatile meats to use for Hawaiian BBQ. You can use chicken breasts, thighs, legs, wings, or whole chicken for this purpose. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster than other parts of the chicken but they can also dry out easily if overcooked. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts but they take longer to cook. Chicken legs and wings are smaller and cook faster than other parts of the chicken but they have more bones and less meat. Whole chicken is more economical and gives you more options but it takes longer to cook and requires more preparation.
• Pork: Pork is another popular meat for Hawaiian BBQ. You can use pork shoulder (butt), ribs, chops, tenderloin, or ham for this purpose. Pork shoulder (butt) is a large cut of meat that is ideal for making kalua pig in an imu or slow cooker. Pork ribs are smaller cuts of meat that are great for marinating and grilling over high heat than other parts of the pork but they are also more flavorful and tender. Pork chops and tenderloin are leaner and cook faster than other parts of the pork but they can also dry out easily if overcooked. Ham is a cured and smoked cut of pork that can be grilled as slices or chunks and served with pineapple or honey glaze.
• Beef: Beef is a less common meat for Hawaiian BBQ but it can still be delicious and satisfying. You can use beef steaks, burgers, or short ribs for this purpose. Beef steaks are thick and juicy cuts of meat that can be grilled over high heat and served with salt, pepper, butter, or a sauce of your choice. Beef burgers are ground beef patties that can be grilled over medium-high heat and served with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a bun. Beef short ribs are thin and flat cuts of meat that can be marinated in a Korean-style sauce called kalbi (made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and pear juice) and grilled over high heat until caramelized.
• Seafood: Seafood is a great choice for Hawaiian BBQ if you want something lighter and healthier. You can use shrimp, mahi-mahi (a type of fish), salmon, tuna, or squid for this purpose. Shrimp are small and easy to grill on skewers or in a basket. They can be marinated in lemon juice, garlic, butter, or a spicy sauce called sriracha (a Thai sauce made with chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt) before grilling. Mahi-mahi is a firm and mild fish that can be grilled as fillets or steaks. It can be marinated in teriyaki sauce or a citrus-based sauce before grilling. Salmon is a fatty and flavorful fish that can be grilled as fillets or steaks. It can be marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, or a honey-mustard sauce before grilling. Tuna is a lean and meaty fish that can be grilled as steaks or chunks. It can be marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, or a wasabi-mayo sauce before grilling. Squid is a chewy and tender seafood that can be grilled as rings or tubes. It can be marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, or a cilantro-lime sauce before grilling.

The essential sauces and marinades to make

To make Hawaiian BBQ at home, you will need:

• Huli-huli sauce: This is the most famous sauce for Hawaiian BBQ. It is a sweet and tangy sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice. You can use it to marinate chicken or pork before grilling or to baste them while grilling. You can also serve it as a dipping sauce for your grilled meat or seafood.
• Teriyaki sauce: This is another popular sauce for Hawaiian BBQ. It is a Japanese sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, mirin (a sweet rice wine), and sake (a rice wine). You can use it to marinate beef, chicken, fish, or shrimp before grilling or to baste them while grilling. You can also serve it as a dipping sauce for your grilled meat or seafood.
• Hoisin sauce: This is a Chinese sauce made with soybeans, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and spices. It has a thick and sticky texture and a sweet and savory flavor. You can use it to marinate pork ribs before grilling or to baste them while grilling. You can also serve it as a dipping sauce for your grilled meat or seafood.
• Honey mustard sauce: This is an American sauce made with honey, mustard (yellow or Dijon), mayonnaise, and vinegar. It has a creamy and tangy texture and flavor. You can use it to marinate pork chops or tenderloin before grilling or to baste them while grilling. You can also serve it as a dipping sauce for your grilled meat or seafood.

Some easy and delicious Hawaiian BBQ recipes to try

To make Hawaiian BBQ at home, you can try these easy and delicious recipes:

• Huli-huli chicken: This is one of the most classic dishes of Hawaiian BBQ. To make it, you will need chicken (whole or cut into pieces), huli-huli sauce (homemade or store-bought), salt, pepper and oil. Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill the chicken for about 15 minutes per side, basting with the reserved sauce every 5 minutes, until charred and cooked through. Serve with rice and grilled pineapple slices.
• Teriyaki beef burgers: These are juicy and flavorful burgers that are perfect for a Hawaiian BBQ. To make them, you will need ground beef, teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought), bread crumbs, egg, salt, pepper, cheese slices, burger buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayonnaise. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Shape into 8 patties and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill the patties for about 4 minutes per side, basting with the remaining teriyaki sauce and topping with cheese slices in the last minute of cooking. Toast the burger buns on the grill and spread some mayonnaise on them. Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and the patties. Serve with fries or coleslaw.
• Hoisin pork ribs: These are sticky and tender ribs that are finger-licking good. To make them, you will need pork ribs (baby back or spare), hoisin sauce (homemade or store-bought), honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and green onions. Cut the ribs into individual pieces and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Reserve 1/4 cup of the sauce for basting and pour the rest over the ribs in a large ziplock bag. Marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge. Preheat your grill to low heat and oil the grates. Grill the ribs for about 2 hours, turning and basting with the reserved sauce every 15 minutes, until glazed and tender. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.

How to enjoy Hawaiian BBQ like a local

Hawaiian BBQ is more than just a way of cooking; it is also a way of life. Here are some tips on how to enjoy Hawaiian BBQ like a local:

The best places to eat Hawaiian BBQ in Hawaii

If you ever visit Hawaii, you will find many places that serve Hawaiian BBQ. Some of the best ones are:

• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue: This is a chain of restaurants that specializes in Hawaiian BBQ dishes like huli-huli chicken, kalua pork, teriyaki beef burgers, and more. They also serve other Hawaiian favorites like loco moco (rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and gravy), spam musubi (rice wrapped in seaweed with a slice of spam), and macaroni salad.
• Helena’s Hawaiian Food: This is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Hawaiian food since 1946. They offer traditional dishes like laulau (pork or fish wrapped in taro leaves), poi (mashed taro), lomi-lomi salmon (salted salmon with tomatoes and onions), haupia (coconut pudding), and more.
• Ono Hawaiian Foods: This is another family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Hawaiian food since 1961. They offer similar dishes as Helena’s but also have specialties like pipikaula (dried beef) and squid luau (squid cooked in coconut milk and taro leaves).
• Mike’s Huli Chicken: This is a food truck that serves huli-huli chicken cooked over kiawe wood (a type of mesquite). They also serve other dishes like garlic shrimp and rice. They also serve other dishes like kalbi (Korean-style short ribs) and furikake chicken (chicken coated with seaweed and sesame seeds).
• Roy’s: This is a fine dining restaurant that serves Hawaiian fusion cuisine. They offer dishes like misoyaki butterfish (fish marinated in miso and sake), macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi, and Hawaiian-style beef short ribs. They also have a variety of desserts like chocolate soufflé and pineapple upside-down cake.

The etiquette and customs of Hawaiian BBQ parties

If you are invited to a Hawaiian BBQ party, you should follow some etiquette and customs to show respect and appreciation. Here are some tips:

• Bring a gift: It is customary to bring a gift for the host or hostess of the party. It can be something simple like flowers, wine, chocolates, or cookies. You can also bring something related to Hawaiian culture like a lei (a garland of flowers), a ukulele (a small guitar), or a Hawaiian shirt.
• Dress casually: Hawaiian BBQ parties are usually casual and relaxed affairs. You don’t need to dress formally or fancy. You can wear something comfortable and colorful like shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, or sandals. You can also wear something with a Hawaiian print or motif like a floral shirt, a grass skirt, or a coconut bra.
• Eat with your hands: Hawaiian BBQ dishes are often eaten with your hands rather than utensils. You can use napkins or paper plates to hold your food and wipe your fingers. You can also use chopsticks or forks if you prefer, but don’t be surprised if others don’t.
• Try everything: Hawaiian BBQ dishes are diverse and delicious. You should try everything that is offered to you, even if you are not familiar with it or don’t like it. It is considered rude to refuse food or leave it uneaten. You can always ask what something is or how it is made before trying it.
• Compliment the food: Hawaiian BBQ dishes are made with love and care. You should compliment the food and thank the cook for their hard work and generosity. You can say things like “ono” (delicious), “mahalo” (thank you), or “ho’omaika’i ‘ana” (congratulations).

The side dishes and drinks to pair with Hawaiian BBQ

Hawaiian BBQ dishes are usually served with a variety of side dishes and drinks that complement and enhance their flavors. Some of the most common ones are:

• Rice: Rice is a staple food in Hawaii and Hawaiian BBQ. It is usually cooked plain or with coconut milk and served as a base for the grilled meat or seafood. Rice helps balance the sweetness and saltiness of the sauces and marinades.
• Macaroni salad: Macaroni salad is a popular side dish for Hawaiian BBQ. It is made with cooked elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, carrots, celery, and sometimes pineapple or ham. Macaroni salad adds a creamy and refreshing contrast to the grilled dishes.
• Coleslaw: Coleslaw is another popular side dish for Hawaiian BBQ. It is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Coleslaw adds a crunchy and tangy contrast to the grilled dishes.
• Baked beans: Baked beans are a classic American side dish that goes well with Hawaiian BBQ. They are made with cooked beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, bacon, and onion. Baked beans add a hearty and smoky flavor to the grilled dishes.
• Pineapple: Pineapple is the quintessential fruit of Hawaii and Hawaiian BBQ. It can be grilled as slices or chunks and served with the grilled meat or seafood. It can also be used to make sauces, salsas, or desserts. Pineapple adds a tropical and sweet flavor to the grilled dishes.
• POG: POG is a popular drink in Hawaii that stands for passion fruit, orange, and guava juice. It is a refreshing and fruity drink that quenches your thirst and matches the flavors of Hawaiian BBQ.
• Mai tai: Mai tai is a famous cocktail in Hawaii that consists of rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, almond syrup, and grenadine. It is a strong and fruity drink that is served in a tall glass with ice and garnished with a pineapple wedge and a cherry. It is the perfect drink to sip while watching the sunset over the ocean.
• Pina colada: Pina colada is another famous cocktail in Hawaii that consists of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. It is a creamy and sweet drink that is served in a hurricane glass with ice and garnished with a pineapple wedge and a cherry. It is the perfect drink to enjoy while relaxing on the beach.

The health benefits and tips of Hawaiian BBQ

Hawaiian BBQ may not seem like the healthiest cuisine, but it actually has some health benefits and tips that you can follow to make it more nutritious and balanced. Here are some of them:

• Choose lean meats: Hawaiian BBQ uses a lot of meats that are high in protein and iron, but also high in fat and cholesterol. You can choose leaner cuts of meat like chicken breast, pork tenderloin, beef sirloin, or fish fillet to reduce the saturated fat and calories. You can also trim off any visible fat or skin before cooking.
• Grill smartly: Grilling is a great way to cook meat or seafood without adding extra oil or butter. However, grilling can also produce harmful chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can increase the risk of cancer. You can reduce these chemicals by marinating your meat or seafood before grilling, flipping them frequently, avoiding charring or burning them, and cutting off any charred parts before eating.
• Balance your plate: Hawaiian BBQ dishes are often served with rice and macaroni salad, which are high in carbohydrates and calories. You can balance your plate by adding more fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. You can also swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa, and macaroni salad for coleslaw or green salad to increase the whole grains and greens.
• Watch your portions: Hawaiian BBQ dishes are often served in large portions that can exceed your daily calorie needs. You can watch your portions by sharing your dishes with others, ordering smaller sizes, or packing half of your food for later. You can also drink water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks like soda or juice to cut down on calories and sugar.

Conclusion

Hawaiian BBQ is a delicious and unique cuisine that reflects the culture and history of Hawaii. It involves grilling meat or seafood over an open fire with a sweet and tangy sauce or marinade. It also incorporates elements from various cuisines like American, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Filipino.

You can make Hawaiian BBQ at home by following some simple steps and tips. You will need a grill, a thermometer, a brush, a spatula, a knife, and a cutting board. You will also need some meats and seafoods like chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, mahi-mahi, salmon, tuna, or squid. You will also need some sauces and marinades like huli-huli sauce, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or honey mustard sauce. You will also need some fruits and vegetables like pineapple, coconut, papaya, mango, onion, and cabbage. You will also need some drinks like POG, mai tai, or pina colada.

You can enjoy Hawaiian BBQ like a local by visiting some of the best places that serve it in Hawaii, following some etiquette and customs of Hawaiian BBQ parties, and balancing your plate with healthy and tasty side dishes and drinks.

Hawaiian BBQ is a wonderful way to experience the aloha spirit and the flavors of paradise. It is a cuisine that celebrates the diversity and harmony of Hawaii and its people. It is a cuisine that will make you happy and satisfied. So grab your grill, your friends, and your appetite, and enjoy some Hawaiian BBQ today!

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