The allure of Hawaiian cuisine lies in its incredible diversity, born from the cultural fusion of Polynesian, Japanese, Puerto Rican, North American, Chinese, and Filipino influences. This unique blend of flavors, spices, and regional ingredients results in a distinctive culinary identity that’s as vibrant as the islands themselves.
For those seeking to explore this flavorful world, we’re sharing a selection of easy-to-make main dishes and side dishes that showcase the best of Hawaiian cooking. From traditional recipes to modern twists, these mouthwatering creations are sure to delight. Whether you’re looking to recreate the bold flavors of Hawaii or simply add some island flair to your menu, this list is your gateway to discovering the authentic taste of Aloha State.
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
The magic behind this mouth-watering chicken dish lies in its clever use of a marinade. Not only does it infuse the meat with an array of flavors, but the pineapple juice also plays a crucial role in tenderizing the chicken, resulting in a delightfully soft and juicy texture. To achieve this level of tenderness, it’s essential to prepare the marinade ahead of time – ideally the night before – and allow the chicken to soak up all the flavorful goodness.
Ohana Noodles
A modern twist on traditional Japanese yakisoba, this fusion dish is sure to delight the whole family. The game-changer in this recipe? The incorporation of pineapple juice, adding a tangy and unique flavor profile. For the best results, I suggest using unsweetened canned pineapple juice to maintain a nice balance of sweet and savory notes.
Hawaiian Buns
These delectable dinner rolls boast a unique twist on the classic recipe. By incorporating pineapple into the enriched dough, you’ll achieve an airy texture that’s simply divine. The original pull-apart recipe yields impressive results, but feel free to shape individual buns for a more traditional presentation. Moreover, these sweet and savory buns pair delightfully with pork chops, offering a versatile culinary experience.
Hawaiian Pasta Salad
The combination of ham and pineapple in this pasta salad creates a delightful harmony of salty and sweet flavors. Allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for at least a day beforehand allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a truly exceptional dish that showcases the unique charm of authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken with Teriyaki Glaze
Indulge in a delectable twist on traditional teriyaki chicken with a Hawaiian flair. A juicy piece of poultry is enveloped by a crispy, savory coating that’s fried to golden perfection. The pièce de résistance is a tangy, sweet, and salty pineapple glaze that can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to [insert duration] in the refrigerator.
Hawaiian Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Transforming ordinary pulled pork into an extraordinary culinary experience is just a pressure cooker away. Our innovative approach combines the sweetness of spiced pineapple chunks with the savory depth of aromatics and Japanese condiments, yielding a tender, flaky, and fragrantly delicious dish that can be repurposed in countless ways.
Loco Moco
In the heart of Hawaiian cuisine lies a comfort food classic: Loco Moco. This iconic dish is often referred to as Hawaiian beef and egg on rice, and for good reason – it’s a hearty combination of a half-inch thick patty, rich gravy, and a perfectly cooked egg all sitting atop a bed of fluffy white rice. But what truly sets Loco Moco apart is its effortless preparation. With just a handful of essential ingredients, you can easily recreate this homey favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Instant Pot Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts
Indulge in the rich flavors of Hawaiian boiled peanuts, a delightful treat that’s perfect for mass production and pantry storage. If you’re new to this culinary delight, prepare to be hooked! What sets this recipe apart is its unparalleled ease. Simply combine all ingredients in your Instant Pot, let it do its magic, and come back to a flavorful treasure trove.
Mochiko Fried Chicken
The process begins by immersing the chicken in a savory marinade for an extended period, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat’s fibers. This step allows the natural juices and seasonings to meld together seamlessly, resulting in a tender and aromatic final product. Once the chicken has absorbed the desired amount of flavor, it’s simply a matter of coating it with a crispy breading and then frying it to a golden brown perfection. Despite the brevity of the preparation time, the end result is nothing short of impressive, as if hours of culinary effort had been invested in its creation.
Hawaiian Pasta Salad
When hosting guests or looking to prep meals in advance, this versatile one-pot dish is an ideal choice. Its flavor profile is even more enhanced when prepared the day before, making it perfect for special occasions or meal prep. Simply add your preferred protein and you’re all set! This recipe also pairs beautifully with steak as a side dish, offering a satisfying and filling accompaniment.
Air Fryer Huli Huli Sweet and Sour Chicken
The mouthwatering Huli Huli chicken owes its signature flavor profile to its characteristic cooking method – slow rotation over a flame that imparts a caramelized crust to the bird’s tender flesh. This sweet and savory synergy is effortlessly replicated in an air fryer, rendering it a versatile dish perfect for serving atop fluffy rice or piled high on a sandwich.
Hawaiian Potato Salad
Indulge in this delectable potato salad that strikes the perfect balance between creamy comfort and refreshing zest. The addition of crisp, fresh vegetables infuses each bite with a delightful contrast of textures. For those seeking a healthier spin, consider substituting half of the traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that still satisfies your cravings on a sweltering summer day.
Air Fryer Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wings
Indulge in the sweet and savory delight that is charred, smoky, and sticky BBQ chicken wings, expertly crafted by an Air Fryer with minimal effort. By harnessing the potency of its flavorful sauce rather than drowning the chicken in copious amounts of oil, this culinary marvel yields incredibly delectable results.
Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
The rich sweetness of the sauce on this chicken is perfectly offset when paired with tangy and crunchy accompaniments. Pickled onions or gherkins are an excellent choice to balance out the bold flavors. For added texture, consider adding crispy onions for a delightful contrast in each bite.
Hawaiian Beef Stew
In this traditional Hawaiian take on beef stew, the star ingredients are two staples that locals adore: plump, juicy tomatoes and fragrant bay leaves. These humble components combine to create a richly flavored and tantalizingly aromatic dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
The essence of this iconic Hawaiian dish is deeply rooted in the art of cooking pasta to a perfect al dente texture. What sets it apart from other variations is its unconventional use of shredded carrot, which adds a delightful twist to the traditional chopped or diced vegetables often employed. For those seeking a healthier take on this classic, consider swapping mayonnaise for a lighter Greek yoghurt alternative, allowing you to indulge in the same flavors while making a more nutritious choice.
Spicy Ahi Poke
Drawing inspiration from Hawaiian regional cuisine, this spicy ahi (tuna) dish is a true flavor sensation. The combination of bold and refreshing ingredients comes together to create a culinary experience that’s as vibrant as the islands themselves. While this recipe only provides the foundation for making ahi cubes, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy your creation in a poke bowl, savor it on its own, or take it to the next level by crafting sushi with these tender and flavorful morsels.
Slow Cooker Kalua Pork
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the judicious use of liquid smoke, which expertly amplifies the natural flavor of the pork without overwhelming it. This subtle addition is particularly effective when paired with cabbage, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. One of the best aspects of this recipe is its hands-off approach – simply combine all your ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let it do its magic. When you return, you’ll be greeted with tender, flaky pork that’s ready to devour.
Instant Pot Luau Stew
Combining tender beef chunks with flavorful luau (taro) leaves creates a rich and satisfying stew. Those familiar with this dish will attest that traditional preparation methods often require an investment of several hours. However, we’ve managed to condense the process into just 45 minutes, making it accessible to everyone.
Hawaiian Chicken
Savor the essence of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with this lightning-fast recipe, delivering a refreshing blend of BBQ flavors in under 30 minutes. This versatile dish serves as a canvas for your favorite vegetables and succulent chicken, inviting endless customization opportunities.
Hawaiian Mac Salad
In this iteration of a classic Hawaiian macaroni salad, shredded carrot and onion are employed to infuse depth of flavor without introducing chunky textures. The true innovation lies in the dressing, which is crafted by blending vinegar, milk, and mayonnaise. This unconventional approach yields an ultra-creamy consistency that elevates the dish.
Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
In just three ingredients, you can craft a mouthwatering chicken dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. By combining sweet canned pineapple with BBQ sauce, you’ll infuse the chicken with a harmonious blend of sweet and smoky flavors. Moreover, the pineapple’s tenderizing properties ensure the meat remains juicy and succulent. With minimal hands-on effort required, this recipe is an absolute winner for busy cooks looking to whip up something scrumptious with ease.
Hawaiian Oxtail Soup
This rich and nourishing oxtail soup is a culinary delight that’s both easy to prepare and packed with nutritious goodness. If you can’t find oxtail at your local market, don’t worry – beef tail makes a suitable substitute in this recipe. The star-studded cast of ingredients includes vibrant oranges, aromatic star anise, crunchy peanuts, and earthy mushrooms, all combining to create a truly satisfying and flavorful soup.
Whole30 Aloha Burger with Teriyaki
Savoring each bite of the Aloha burger with teriyaki sauce is a culinary delight that transcends dietary restrictions. The harmonious fusion of sweet and savory flavors is truly captivating, as the expertly crafted patty seamlessly melds with the caramelized pineapple. This tantalizing combination proves equally impressive whether enjoyed on a toasted bun or atop a bed of crisp greens, elevating the overall dining experience to new heights.
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs
The fusion of sweet and spicy flavors in these pork ribs is a masterclass in culinary cultural exchange. The pineapple’s tenderizing properties come into play as the meat cooks, rendering it ridiculously fall-off-the-bone tender. When combined with the velvety soy-based sauce, the flavor profile is nothing short of harmonious, with rich notes that linger on the palate.
Grilled Hawaiian Steak Kabobs
When preparing these kabobs, select a high-quality, marbled cut of meat that will yield tender, flavorful results. The melting fat on the grill will infuse the meat and vegetables with rich, harmonious flavors. However, the true key to this dish’s success lies in its marinade.
Hawaiian Slow Cooker Baked Beans
In this effortless recipe, you’ll spend mere minutes preparing the ingredients before letting your slow cooker do the rest of the work. Simply combine all the necessary components in the cooker, then sit back and let the magic unfold over a few hours.
The unique blend of traditional baked beans with pineapple and BBQ sauce yields a rich and indulgent flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
Hawaiian Burger with Brown Gravy
When it comes to Loco Moco variations, we’re always excited to see new twists on the classic dish. This particular iteration takes things to the next level by adding a rich and creamy gravy. What’s more, this recipe also has the potential to be repurposed as a mouth-watering burger for your next game day gathering. Simply swap out the traditional rice serving method for brioche buns, add a juicy patty and a runny egg, and finish it all off with a drizzle of that silky smooth gravy. The result is a true showstopper that’s sure to score big with your friends and family.
Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
In a unique twist on traditional Hawaiian chicken kabobs, pineapple plays a starring role alongside other vegetables. The acidity in pineapple juice is key to achieving tender and juicy results. As the acidic enzymes work their way through the meat, it becomes incredibly tender and succulent. Meanwhile, the natural sweetness of the pineapple caramelizes during cooking, yielding chunks of well-charred, sticky goodness.
Pineapple Salsa
Salsa is often the unsung hero of a dish, elevating its flavors and textures to new heights. What’s remarkable about this particular recipe is that it requires only five ingredients to achieve its sweet, spicy, and refreshing harmony. This versatile condiment is the ultimate accompaniment to any meal, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion. And the best part? Its sugar content acts as a natural preservative, allowing you to store it in the fridge for an extended period without worrying about spoilage.
Hawaiian Keto Pizza Bowl
While Hawaiian pizza may be a divisive topic, its keto-friendly bowl counterpart has the potential to bring people together. By utilizing cauliflower as the foundation, this dish not only satisfies cravings but also offers a healthier alternative for weeknight meals. The best part? It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, requiring just twenty minutes from start to finish.
Hawaiian Haystacks
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the tropical fruit that Hawaii is famous for. A vibrant medley of mandarins, pineapples, almonds, and cranberries is piled high on top of fluffy rice, providing a delightful harmony of sweet and tangy flavors. But it’s not just about the sweetness – the addition of peppers brings a savory depth to the dish, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
Keto Ahi Poke Bowl
Indulge in the rich, creamy essence of this Japanese-inspired ahi poke bowl, where bold flavors converge. Marinated tuna takes center stage, accompanied by a zesty mayonnaise that awakens your palate. A delightful medley of textures unfolds with the addition of crunchy radish and cucumber, while the silky avocado provides the perfect finishing touch, rounding out the dish in a harmonious symphony of creaminess.
Hawaiian Potato Salad
For a unique spin on traditional Hawaiian potato salad, try incorporating a surprising twist: sweet peas. This unexpected ingredient adds a pop of freshness and color to an already delicious dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight in the fridge. As the flavors meld together, the potato salad transforms into a velvety-smooth delight that’s sure to impress.
Hawaiian Shrimp Street Tacos
Imagine indulging in a flavorful fusion of Hawaiian shrimp street tacos, where succulent shrimp meet a vibrant medley of vegetables. But the true showstopper is the delectable pineapple-mango coleslaw, whose sweet and tangy notes harmonize perfectly with the shrimp’s tender flesh. The symphony of tropical flavors reaches its crescendo when topped off with a spicy sriracha kick.
Hawaiian Turkey Burgers
The fusion of sweet pineapple and savory patty creates a harmonious blend that’s sure to please. For added convenience, you can prepare multiple patties in advance, freeze them, and then quickly throw them on the grill as needed. The glaze can also be made ahead of time, freeing up more time for grilling fun. To take it to the next level, consider pairing with a tangy tropical salsa and a spicy sauce that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed islands of Hawaii.
Hawaiian Garlic Chicken
A harmonious blend of flavors beneath the crispy breading relies on a few essential Japanese condiments, primarily soy sauce. This straightforward yet flavorful fried chicken recipe excels in delivering bold taste. Furthermore, the accompanying sauce requires only three key components to meld together seamlessly.
Pineapple Fried Rice
The quintessential combination of flavors is what sets pineapple fried rice apart from other iterations. Day-old white rice is crucial to achieving this harmonious blend, as fresh rice tends to yield a crumbly and overly soft final product. What’s more, the one-pan wonder nature of this dish means minimal cleanup, making it an efficient choice for any meal.
Hawaiian Meatballs
This unique meatball recipe draws inspiration from Hawaiian cuisine’s blend of regional flavors, with a surprising nod to Japanese cooking traditions. The sweet and salty fusion is achieved by coating the meatballs in a tangy pineapple and teriyaki sauce. This flavorful twist can be enjoyed over white rice, paired with poke bowl ingredients, or even nestled within a sandwich – the possibilities are endless.
Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin
In Hawaiian cuisine, pork is a staple protein, and tenderloin presents a unique challenge due to its delicate nature. However, the Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, allowing for a mouthwatering tenderloin that’s effortlessly prepared with minimal fuss.
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
In this unique cooking approach, we’re shaking things up by leaving the shells intact on our succulent shrimp. This traditional technique employed by local Hawaiians allows for a deeper, richer flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. The added bonus is that it reduces cooking time and costs, making it a practical choice for any culinary enthusiast.