Step into the Aloha State’s vibrant culinary scene and discover a world of flavors that blend the rich history of Hawaii with its lush, tropical environment. Inspired by the islands’ unique cultural heritage and agricultural bounty, these 18 mouth-watering recipes celebrate the fusion of traditional Hawaiian, Asian, American, and Polynesian cuisines.
From savory skewers to sweet treats, our collection features a diverse array of dishes that showcase the islands’ signature ingredients, such as fresh pineapple, coconut, taro, and macadamia nuts. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these recipes are sure to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey across the islands, highlighting some of the most iconic and beloved dishes that have made Hawaiian cuisine famous worldwide. So sit back, relax, and get ready to indulge in the flavors of Aloha!
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Hawaii with these easy-to-make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, and ginger. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Thread chicken, pineapple chunks, and green onions onto skewers.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional pineapple wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lomi Lomi Salmon with Fresh Tomatoes and Onions
Experience the simplicity and flavor of traditional Hawaiian cooking with this delicious and easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 3 large tomatoes, diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet, leaving space between each fillet.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together sliced onions and diced tomatoes.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the onion-tomato mixture and toss to combine.
6. Spoon the onion-tomato mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Huli Huli Grilled Pork Chops
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of traditional Hawaiian huli huli, a classic barbecue-style dish that’s perfect for grilling pork chops. This recipe yields tender, flavorful results with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
3. Brush both sides of pork chops with the marinade.
4. Grill pork chops for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic and ginger.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tips:
For an authentic huli huli experience, serve with steamed rice and a side of grilled pineapple wedges. Enjoy!
Haupia Coconut Pudding
Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding that’s creamy, sweet, and utterly delicious. This simple recipe brings together the flavors of coconut, sugar, and water to create a classic dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup shredded fresh coconut
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine coconut, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the water and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and a splash of the hot pudding mixture until smooth.
5. Stir the cornstarch mixture back into the pudding and continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the pudding thickens.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Kalua Pork with Cabbage
Experience the rich flavors of Hawaiian cuisine with this classic Kalua pork dish, slow-cooked to tender perfection and served with a refreshing crunch of cabbage.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork shoulder or butt
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke (optional)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 large head of cabbage, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid. Add 1/4 cup of liquid smoke (if using).
5. Cover the pot and bake for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
7. Serve with thinly sliced cabbage, tossed with a squeeze of fresh lime juice (optional).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Macadamia Nut-Crusted Mahi Mahi
Transform your mahi mahi into a tropical delight with this easy and flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 mahi mahi fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together chopped macadamia nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
3. Place each mahi mahi fillet in the nut mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spam Musubi with Teriyaki Glaze
A unique fusion of Japanese and American flavors, this Spam musubi recipe combines the savory taste of teriyaki glaze with the classic Hawaiian dish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 1 cup of cooked Japanese rice (preferably short-grain)
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Teriyaki glaze ingredients:
+ 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
+ 2 tablespoons of sake or dry white wine
+ 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
+ 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
+ 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Prepare the teriyaki glaze by whisking together all the ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Cook the Japanese rice according to package instructions and set aside.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a cutting board. Place a slice of Spam in the center, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
4. Shape a small rectangle of cooked rice onto the Spam.
5. Roll the musubi by applying gentle pressure with your fingers, starting from one end and moving towards the other.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 until all ingredients are used up.
7. Drizzle the teriyaki glaze over the musubi just before serving.
Cooking Time: None required, as this recipe involves assembling the dish rather than cooking it.
Poi Pancakes with Hawaiian Honey
Experience the sweet fusion of Hawaiian flavors with these fluffy poi pancakes, drizzled with a rich honey glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup poi (mashed taro root)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Hawaiian honey (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together poi, flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add milk, egg, and melted butter; mix until smooth batter forms.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet; cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface.
5. Flip pancakes; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with a drizzle of Hawaiian honey.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and refreshing recipe, combining succulent shrimp with a zesty pineapple salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pineapple Salsa ingredients:
+ 1 ripe pineapple, diced
+ 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
+ 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
+ 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
1. Rinse shrimp under cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes per side).
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet after cooking the shrimp; simmer for an additional 1 minute.
5. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pineapple Salsa:
Combine pineapple, jalapeño, lime juice, and honey in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mochiko Chicken with Sweet Chili Sauce
Mochiko Chicken with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
This recipe combines the crispy texture of Japanese-style fried chicken with a sweet and spicy chili sauce, all wrapped up in a package of bold flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup Mochiko flour (Japanese-style rice flour)
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup grated ginger
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sweet Chili Sauce (recipe below)
Sweet Chili Sauce:
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together Mochiko flour, cornstarch, grated ginger, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture until coated, shaking off excess.
3. Fry chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Serve fried chicken with Sweet Chili Sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Pineapple and Pork Kebabs
A sweet and savory twist on traditional kebabs, this recipe combines juicy pork chunks with caramelized pineapple for a flavorful and refreshing summer treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork tenderloin or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Cooking oil or spray for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger.
3. Add pork cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread pineapple chunks and marinated pork onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush grill with cooking oil or spray. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot with additional brown sugar and soy sauce for dipping, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Tropical Fruit Salad with Lilikoi Dressing
Add a touch of tropical paradise to your meal with this refreshing fruit salad and tangy lilikoi dressing. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a burst of sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, kiwi, papaya)
– 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup fresh coconut flakes
– 2 tablespoons lilikoi dressing (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt to taste
Lilikoi Dressing:
– 1/4 cup lilikoi jam or passionfruit puree
– 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine tropical fruits and pineapple chunks.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut flakes, lilikoi dressing ingredients, and salt.
3. Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and toss to coat.
4. Drizzle with honey and squeeze lime juice.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Poke Bowl with Ahi Tuna and Avocado
Poke Bowl with Ahi Tuna and Avocado Recipe
A classic Hawaiian dish gets a fresh twist with this simple recipe, featuring sashimi-grade tuna, creamy avocado, and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ahi tuna steak (sushi grade)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably Koshihikari)
- 1/2 cup pickled ginger, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds and grated daikon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the tuna steak into small pieces and place them in a shallow dish. Drizzle with soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger; marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Japanese rice according to package instructions.
- To assemble the bowls: divide the cooked rice between two bowls. Add a portion of the marinated tuna on top, followed by diced avocado, pickled ginger, and chopped scallions.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and grated daikon if desired.
Cooking Time:
- Marinating time: at least 15 minutes
- Cooking rice: 20-25 minutes
- Assembly: 5 minutes
Total Cooking Time: approximately 40-50 minutes
Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
A sweet and savory twist on the classic glazed ham, this recipe combines the richness of brown sugar with the brightness of pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the fat layer in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some into the scored lines.
5. Place the ham in the oven and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Lau Lau Steamed Pork in Taro Leaves
This traditional Hawaiian dish is a flavorful and moist pork recipe wrapped in taro leaves, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder or butt, sliced into thin strips
– 4-6 taro leaves (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat steamer to high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Add the pork strips to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Lay 2-3 taro leaves flat on a work surface, overlapping them slightly.
5. Place a few slices of marinated pork in the center of the taro leaves.
6. Fold the taro leaves over the pork to form a neat package.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients and taro leaves.
8. Steam the Lau Laus for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce
Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce Recipe
Elevate your seafood game with this tropical twist on traditional shrimp, featuring a crispy coconut crust and sweet mango dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mango Dipping Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, and unsweetened coconut flakes.
3. Dip each shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Mango Dipping Sauce:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Lime juice to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with Coconut Shrimp.
Saimin Noodle Soup with Char Siu
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines the rich flavors of char siu (Chinese BBQ pork) with saimin noodles, a type of Japanese noodle.
Ingredients:
– 1 package saimin noodles
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup diced char siu (Chinese BBQ pork)
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook saimin noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced char siu and cook until heated through.
3. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until onion is translucent.
4. Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add cooked saimin noodles to the pot and stir well.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato Haupia Pie
Sweet Potato Haupia Pie Recipe
Haupia pie, a traditional Hawaiian dessert, gets a sweet potato twist in this recipe. This creamy and sweet pie is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Allow the pie to cool before serving. Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to island-hop with these 18 tropical Hawaiian recipes inspired by the islands! From classic dishes like Huli Huli Grilled Pork Chops and Kalua Pork with Cabbage, to modern twists like Macadamia Nut-Crusted Mahi Mahi and Poke Bowl with Ahi Tuna and Avocado. Explore the flavors of Hawaii with recipes featuring fresh pineapple, coconut, taro, and more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a show-stopping dessert, these Hawaiian-inspired dishes are sure to transport your taste buds to paradise.
