Craving a taste of paradise? Then look no further! This homemade Hawaiian barbecue sauce recipe is bursting with sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will transport you straight to the beaches of Hawaii. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for grilling season, and versatile enough to use on everything from chicken and ribs to vegetables and even pizza! Get ready to elevate your grilling game and create delicious, healthy meals the whole family will adore. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup pineapple juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or soy sauce for saltiness.
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Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Barbecue Sauce:
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Fresh Pineapple Juice: Using freshly squeezed pineapple juice will significantly enhance the flavor of your sauce. If you don't have time to juice your own pineapple, a high-quality bottled juice will work as well.
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Don't Overcook: Overcooking the sauce can make it too thick and gummy. Keep a close eye on it while it simmers to ensure it reaches the desired consistency.
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Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. For a milder sauce, omit them entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Variations:
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Spicy Hawaiian BBQ: Add a diced jalapeño or habanero pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
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Ginger Zing: Increase the amount of ginger to 1 ½ teaspoons for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
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Sweet and Smoky: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 80-90
- Protein: 1-2g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20-22g
- Sugar: 15-18g
This easy recipe for Hawaiian barbecue sauce is perfect for adding a burst of tropical flavor to all your favorite dishes. From grilling your favorite meats to basting vegetables, it’s a delicious and healthy addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy! It’s guaranteed to be one of the best recipes you’ll ever try.