Hawaii, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant culture. And at the heart of it all is the food – a delicious fusion of Asian, American, and Polynesian flavors that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 mouth-watering Hawaiian-style recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the islands.
From classic dishes like Kalua Pork with Cabbage and Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Marinade, to modern twists like Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa and Spam Musubi with Teriyaki Glaze, we’ve got a recipe for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are sure to bring a taste of the islands to your table.
So grab a plate of Poi Pancakes with Lilikoi Syrup and get ready to embark on this culinary adventure!
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
Experience the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this mouthwatering recipe that combines succulent shrimp with sweet and tangy pineapple salsa. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, combine brown sugar, mixed greens, pineapple chunks, and jalapeño pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the greens are wilted.
5. Serve shrimp on top of the salsa mixture, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Loco Moco with Homemade Gravy
Loco moco, a classic Hawaiian comfort food, gets an upgrade with our homemade gravy recipe. This twist on the traditional dish features juicy ground beef, savory gravy, and fluffy rice, all topped with a fried egg.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs, for topping
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine the cooked rice, butter, beef broth, flour, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the gravy mixture to the ground beef mixture, whisking constantly.
5. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
6. Serve the loco moco hot, topped with a fried egg.
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Kalua Pork with Cabbage
Experience the rich flavors of traditional Hawaiian cuisine with this simple and flavorful recipe. Slow-cooked pork shoulder, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked to tender perfection, is served alongside a crunchy and refreshing cabbage slaw.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork shoulder
– 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
– 4 banana leaves (or parchment paper)
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix pork shoulder with liquid smoke, salt, and water. Wrap with banana leaves (or parchment paper) and place in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
3. Cook for 8-10 hours or until pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Meanwhile, combine shredded cabbage with soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Shred cooked pork and serve with cabbage slaw.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Hawaiian Poke Bowl with Fresh Ahi Tuna
Savor the flavors of the Aloha State with this refreshing and easy-to-make Hawaiian Poke Bowl featuring fresh ahi tuna, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauces.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sashimi-grade ahi tuna
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/2 cup sliced carrots
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: pickled ginger, wasabi, or furikake for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Cut the ahi tuna into small cubes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add the tuna cubes to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Prepare the vegetables by slicing the cucumber and carrots.
5. Assemble the poke bowls by placing a scoop of marinated tuna over a bed of mixed greens, then topping with cucumbers, carrots, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.
6. Serve immediately and customize with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including marinade time)
Spam Musubi with Teriyaki Glaze
This recipe combines the classic Hawaiian dish Spam musubi with a sweet and sticky teriyaki glaze, creating a unique fusion of flavors. This easy-to-make snack is perfect for parties or as a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Teriyaki glaze (store-bought or homemade)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
2. Prepare Spam by pan-frying it until lightly browned and crispy.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a surface.
4. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Place a slice of pan-fried Spam in the middle of the rice.
6. Drizzle teriyaki glaze over the Spam and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions (if using).
7. Fold the nori sheet over the filling to form a rectangle or triangle shape.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Haupia (Coconut Pudding) with Toasted Coconut
A classic Hawaiian dessert, Haupia is a creamy coconut pudding infused with the nutty flavor of toasted coconut. This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Toast the coconut: Spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, water, salt, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter, toasted coconut, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Long Rice with Ginger and Green Onions
A classic Hawaiian dish, Chicken Long Rice is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe adds a twist by incorporating ginger and green onions, giving it an extra boost of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups long-grain rice
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
– 1/2 cup chopped green onions (white and light green parts)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 4 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in cooked rice and green onions. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Poi Pancakes with Lilikoi Syrup
Start your day with a delicious and cultural twist by making Poi Pancakes with Lilikoi Syrup. This recipe combines traditional Hawaiian ingredients with modern flavors to create a unique breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup poi (fermented taro root)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Lilikoi Syrup (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together poi, flour, eggs, milk, and salt until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Drop 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
4. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Serve with Lilikoi Syrup (recipe below).
Lilikoi Syrup Recipe:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh liliko’i (passionfruit) juice
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until syrup thickens slightly. Stir in lilikoi juice and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa
Elevate your summer grilling game with this flavorful combination of juicy mahi-mahi and sweet, tangy mango salsa. Perfect for a quick and impressive dinner or as an appetizer for a backyard barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4 mahi-mahi fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season mahi-mahi fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill mahi-mahi for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl.
5. Squeeze lime juice over the salsa and toss to combine.
6. Serve grilled mahi-mahi with mango salsa spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes (grilling time: 4-5 minutes per side)
Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Marinade
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the islands of Hawaii with this mouthwatering Huli Huli Chicken recipe, featuring a sweet and tangy pineapple marinade.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with the pineapple chunks and green onions.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Lau Lau (Pork Wrapped in Taro Leaves)
Lau Lau, a traditional Hawaiian dish, wraps tender pork in fragrant taro leaves, creating a flavorful and aromatic treat. This recipe brings the classic Hawaiian flavors to your table with ease.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder or butt, sliced into thin strips
– 4 large taro leaves (or substitute with banana leaves)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.
3. Add the pork strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
4. Cut the taro leaves into squares, big enough to wrap around each pork strip.
5. Place a pork strip in the center of each leaf square.
6. Fold the leaves over the pork, tucking in edges as you go, to form neat packages.
7. Place the Lau Laus seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and the taro leaves are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Macaroni Salad Hawaiian Style
This refreshing salad combines the classic comfort of macaroni with the bright, tropical flavors of Hawaii. Perfect for potlucks or picnics, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, pineapple chunks, and cilantro.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, soy sauce, and grated ginger.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the wet ingredients and stir until coated.
5. Combine the macaroni mixture with the fruit and herb mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped macadamia nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian-style macaroni salad!
Sweet and Sour Hawaiian Meatballs
This recipe combines the flavors of Hawaii with classic meatballs, resulting in a sweet and tangy treat perfect for parties or snacks. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and unique appetizer that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 20-25 meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little oil and gently roll to coat evenly.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sweet and sour glaze by whisking together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey in a small bowl.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss with the sweet and sour glaze.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pineapple Fried Rice with Spam
A twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the savory flavors of Spam with sweet and tangy pineapple for a unique and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup diced cooked Spam
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cooked Spam, cooking for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, pineapple, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the ingredients are well combined and heated through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Malasadas (Portuguese Donuts) with Cinnamon Sugar
Malasadas are a classic Portuguese dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. These sweet treats are essentially deep-fried dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cinnamon sugar (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Gradually add milk to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest for 1 hour in a warm place.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Use a spoon to drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, about 6-8 at a time.
6. Fry the malasadas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove the fried donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. While still warm, toss the malasadas in cinnamon sugar mixture.
9. Serve the sweet treats immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (frying time: 4-6 minutes per batch)
Grilled Teriyaki Beef Skewers
A flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Add beef cubes to the marinade and stir until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread marinated beef onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush grill with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until beef reaches desired level of doneness.
7. Serve hot and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Pipikaula (Hawaiian Beef Jerky)
Traditional Hawaiian beef jerky, pipikaula is a popular snack that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe uses a classic combination of soy sauce, sugar, and salt to create a deliciously savory and sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef (top round or flank steak), sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 150°F).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the beef strips to the marinade, making sure they’re coated evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange the beef strips in a single layer.
5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and dehydrate for 3-4 hours, or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Taro Bread with Butter and Honey
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of taro with the richness of butter and honey, creating a delicious and unique bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups taro powder
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine taro powder and warm water. Stir until smooth.
2. Add yeast and let mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
3. Mix in melted butter and honey until well combined.
4. Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Shoyu Chicken with Steamed Rice
A classic Japanese-inspired dish that combines the savory flavors of soy sauce, sake, and mirin with tender chicken and fluffy steamed rice. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp soy sauce (shoyu)
– 2 tbsp sake
– 2 tbsp mirin
– 2 tsp sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup uncooked Japanese short-grain rice
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.
2. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Serve with steamed Japanese rice.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Guava Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of guava with the tanginess of cream cheese frosting, making it a unique and delicious dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup guava puree
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with guava puree, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
Summary
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the tropical paradise of Hawaii! This collection of 20 flavorful recipes celebrates the islands’ unique culinary heritage. From classic dishes like Loco Moco and Kalua Pork, to modern twists on traditional favorites like Poke Bowls and Spam Musubi, there’s something for everyone. Discover the bold flavors and aromas of Hawaiian cuisine, featuring ingredients like pineapple, coconut, ginger, and taro. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping feast, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
