Tropical Hawaiian BBQ Pork: Grilled Perfection with Caramelized Pineapple

Authentic Hawaiian BBQ Pork with Grilled Pineapple

If you’re craving a taste of the islands, this Hawaiian BBQ recipe will transport your taste buds straight to paradise. With sweet and savory flavors that perfectly blend traditional Hawaiian cooking techniques with classic barbecue elements, this dish is sure to be the star of your next backyard gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian BBQ Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in Hawaiian cuisine. This recipe brings together:

• Authentic island flavors – The perfect balance of soy sauce, brown sugar, and tropical fruits
• Easy preparation – Simple marinade and straightforward grilling techniques
• Impressive presentation – Colorful and appetizing for any gathering
• Versatility – Works great with different side dishes and serving styles

The History Behind Hawaiian BBQ

Hawaiian barbecue (or “BBQ”) has a rich cultural heritage that blends native Hawaiian cooking methods with influences from Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and American cuisines. Traditional Hawaiian cooking often involved an underground oven called an “imu,” where meats would slow-cook to perfection. Modern Hawaiian BBQ incorporates these traditional techniques with contemporary grilling methods, creating the perfect fusion of flavors we know and love today.

Ingredients for Authentic Hawaiian BBQ

• 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

For the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce:

• Reserved marinade
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Pork

1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until sugar dissolves.
2. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade for the sauce and set aside.
3. Place pork chunks in a large zip-top bag or container and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
5. Remove pork from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
6. Brush grill grates with cooking oil, then place pork chunks on the grill. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. While the pork is grilling, place pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized with nice grill marks.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining the reserved marinade with ketchup and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
9. Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
10. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the pork generously with the prepared sauce.
11. Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
12. Serve the grilled pork alongside the caramelized pineapple slices, drizzled with additional sauce and garnished with chopped green onions.

Tips for Perfect Hawaiian BBQ

• Marinade timing: Don’t rush the marinating process! The longer the pork sits in the marinade (up to 24 hours), the more flavorful it will be.
• Pork options: If pork shoulder isn’t available, you can substitute with pork loin or even chicken thighs for a different twist.
• Pineapple selection: Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe, but if using canned, make sure to drain well and pat dry before grilling.
• Sauce consistency: For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of pineapple juice.
• Heat management: Watch for flare-ups on the grill, especially when the sugary sauce drips. Have a spray bottle of water handy.

Serving Suggestions for Your Hawaiian BBQ Feast

Create a complete island-inspired meal by serving your Hawaiian BBQ with these traditional sides:

• Coconut Rice: Steamed rice cooked with coconut milk instead of water
• Mac Salad: Creamy macaroni salad with mayonnaise, carrots, and peas
• Poi: Traditional Hawaiian taro paste
• Lomi Lomi Salmon: Fresh tomato and salmon salad
• Haupia: Coconut pudding for dessert

Make It a Plate Lunch

For an authentic Hawaiian experience, serve your BBQ as a “plate lunch” with two scoops of white rice, mac salad, and your delicious grilled pork with pineapple.

FAQs About Hawaiian BBQ

What makes Hawaiian BBQ different from other styles?

Hawaiian BBQ uniquely combines Asian ingredients like soy sauce and ginger with tropical fruits like pineapple, creating a sweet-savory flavor profile that’s distinctly island-inspired. The cooking method also often involves slow-cooking meats until tender.

Can I make Hawaiian BBQ in the oven?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the marinated pork in a 375°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to get some caramelization.

What’s the best wood for smoking Hawaiian BBQ?

If you’re using a smoker, fruit woods like apple or cherry complement Hawaiian flavors beautifully. Avoid strong woods like mesquite that might overpower the delicate balance of flavors.

Is Hawaiian BBQ spicy?

Traditional Hawaiian BBQ is not typically spicy, but our recipe includes optional red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. You can adjust to your taste preferences.

This Hawaiian BBQ recipe brings together the best of island flavors with traditional barbecue techniques, creating a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just want to add some tropical flair to your dinner routine, this authentic recipe will transport you straight to the beaches of Hawaii with every delicious bite.

Recipe inspired by Allrecipes