Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe is a sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and molasses, enhancing grilled dishes beautifully.
I made this Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe after watching it being prepared in a Hawaiian food show that inspired me deeply.
I will now show step by step how to make this flavourful Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe at home.
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
You’ll love Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe for its sweet and smoky balance that enhances grilled dishes beautifully.
The blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and molasses creates a tropical depth that coats meats and vegetables in irresistible flavor.
Each spoonful delivers a rich glaze that brings out the taste of summer. This sauce turns everyday meals into something special, offering a delightful mix of sweetness, spice, and island inspired goodness in every bite.

How To Prepare Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: Hawaiian American Fusion
Difficulty Level: Easy
Yield: About 3 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater or microplane (for ginger)
- Airtight glass jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 6 oz (170 g) tomato paste, low sodium
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 4 Tbsp unsulphured molasses
- 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How To Make Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Step 1 – Mix The Base
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, tomato paste, water, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, and sesame oil until you have a smooth mixture.
Step 2 – Add Flavor Boosters
Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Sriracha. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavours blend well.
Step 3 – Cook It Down
Set the pan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir now and then to keep it from sticking. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes, until it thickens a bit.
Step 4 – Add The Final Touches
Stir in the liquid smoke, then season with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes.
Step 5 – Cool And Store
Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool completely. Pour it into a clean jar or container with a tight lid. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it if you want it to last longer.
Nutrition Facts Of Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 65 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Sugars | 11 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe
The Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky island flavours. Its speciality lies in the tropical twist from pineapple juice paired with the depth of molasses, soy sauce, and a hint of heat from Sriracha.
This unique fusion captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine bold yet refreshing. The Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe versatility makes it ideal for grilling, glazing, or dipping, enhancing any dish with a vibrant, sunny, and irresistibly rich tropical flavor profile.
Expert Tips
● Use fresh pineapple juice for a brighter, more authentic island flavor that enhances the sauce’s natural sweetness.
● Allow the sauce to simmer slowly so the ingredients meld together, creating a rich, glossy texture.
● Grate fresh ginger instead of using powder to add depth and a gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
● Taste as it cooks and adjust the spice level using Sriracha or cayenne according to preference.
● Store the sauce in a glass jar to preserve freshness and maintain its vibrant flavor.
Ways To Use It
1. Brush onto grilled chicken or pork during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, flavourful glaze.
2. Toss roasted or stir fried vegetables in the sauce for a sweet and smoky finish.
3. Drizzle over burgers or sandwiches to add a tropical, tangy kick.
4. Use as a dipping sauce for shrimp, chicken tenders, or spring rolls.
5. Stir into pulled pork or shredded chicken for a quick, island inspired barbecue dish.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe offers healthy nutrition benefits through its natural ingredients. Pineapple juice provides vitamin C and antioxidants that support immunity.
Ginger contributes anti inflammatory properties and aids digestion. Garlic helps improve heart health and boost the immune system.
Using low sodium soy sauce reduces excess sodium while still adding flavor. Molasses provides minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium.
This sauce enhances meals without heavy fats, offering a tasty, nutrient rich addition to grilled meats, vegetables, and seafood.
How To Make More Delicious Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To make more delicious Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe, use fresh pineapple juice and freshly grated ginger for vibrant flavor.
Slowly simmer the sauce to allow the sugar, molasses, and spices to blend deeply. Adjust sweetness or heat using brown sugar, Sriracha, or cayenne pepper according to taste.
Stir constantly to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth texture. Let the sauce rest for a few hours after cooking to develop richer, balanced flavour that coat grilled meats and vegetables beautifully.
How To Store The Finished Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Store the finished Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe in a clean, airtight glass jar or container. Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.
The sauce can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, portion it into freezer safe containers or ice cube trays and freeze.
Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before use. Always use a clean spoon to scoop the sauce to prevent contamination and preserve its quality and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Sauce Spicier?
Yes, increase the Sriracha or cayenne pepper to achieve desired heat.
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead Of Juice?
Yes, blend fresh pineapple and strain to replace canned juice.
Is This Sauce Gluten Free?
Using gluten free soy sauce makes the recipe gluten-free.
What Dishes Pair Best With This Sauce?
Grilled chicken, pork, shrimp, vegetables, and burgers all work well.
Conclusion
My Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe turned out to be an easy, enjoyable, and delicious success. The blend of sweet pineapple, smoky spices, and tangy flavours created a truly irresistible sauce.
I hope you feel inspired to try this simple recipe in your own kitchen soon. Once you make it, you’ll see how flavourful and versatile it is perfect for any meal.
I can’t wait for you to taste it and share how delicious it turned out!
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Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater or microplane (for ginger)
- Airtight glass jar or container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 6 oz 170 g tomato paste, low sodium
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsulphured molasses
- 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced or finely grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 – Mix The Base
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, tomato paste, water, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, and sesame oil until you have a smooth mixture.
Step 2 – Add Flavor Boosters
- Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Sriracha. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavours blend well.
Step 3 – Cook It Down
- Set the pan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir now and then to keep it from sticking. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes, until it thickens a bit.
Step 4 – Add The Final Touches
- Stir in the liquid smoke, then season with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes.
Step 5 – Cool And Store
- Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool completely. Pour it into a clean jar or container with a tight lid. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it if you want it to last longer.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 65 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Sugars: 11 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 0 g | Sodium: 320 mg | Fiber: 0.5 g
“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”