HONOLULU (KHON2) — When people in the United States think about BBQ, they usually picture places in the South. Each state has its own way of making BBQ that use different flavors and ingredients. Not many people think of Hawaiʻi when it comes to BBQ, but they should. And with the 4th of July coming very soon, BBQ is on everyone’s minds.
Hawaiʻi BBQ, also known as Huli Huli sauce, is special. It’s different from other BBQ styles because it mixes sweet, tangy and a little spicy all in one.
These flavors come from ingredients like pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce and sometimes ginger or chili peppers. That sweet pineapple flavor helps the sauce caramelize when it cooks to create a shiny, tasty glaze on the meat.
Some of the tanginess in the sauce comes from vinegar or ketchup. The spice can come from ginger, garlic or hot peppers.
Soy sauce is also important. It gives the sauce a deep, savory taste. Sometimes, other ingredients like mustard or liquid smoke are added to make the flavor even more exciting.
Hawaiʻi BBQ sauce is super flexible. You can use it as a marinade, a dipping sauce or pour it over cooked meats like chicken, shrimp, brisket or ribs. It’s great for backyard cookouts or beach picnics.
Other places have their own BBQ styles, too. For example:
- Alabama has a white BBQ sauce made with mayonnaise. It’s tangy and creamy and very different from most BBQ sauces.
- Georgia BBQ often uses tomatoes and sometimes adds peaches for a sweet, fruity taste.
- Florida adds citrus flavors like orange or lemon to their sauce, giving it a bright, fresh twist.
- California BBQ sauces are inspired by Asian and Mexican cooking, using lots of fresh ingredients.
- Texas and Arkansas go for spicy and tangy sauces, great for beef or pork.
- Kansas City BBQ is thick and sweet.
- Memphis BBQ prefers a thinner, tangier sauce and usually focuses more on dry rubs than sauce.
But Hawaiʻi’s Huli Huli sauce stands out because of its tropical twist. It’s tasty, fun, and easy to make at home.
If you’re looking for something cool to do this weekend, try making your own Hawaiʻi BBQ sauce and have a cookout with your friends at home, at the park or even at the beach.
You can click here to learn more about the various types of BBQ that span the U.S.
Enjoy the flavor of the islands, no matter where you are!