Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce is a sweet, tangy, smoky sauce made with pineapple juice, perfect for grilling or dipping meats.
I made this Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce because I’ve had years of experience crafting it, and the flavours always bring back memories.
I once watched a Hawaiian chef prepare something similar, and that moment inspired me to recreate it in my own way.
Now, I’m ready to show you exactly how I make it, step by step, just like I’ve done many times before.
About This Recipe
Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce is a flavourful blend of tropical sweetness and smoky spice, inspired by island-style cooking.
The main speciality of this Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce is its use of pineapple juice, which adds a natural sweetness and a tangy kick that sets it apart from traditional BBQ sauces.
Combined with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of liquid smoke, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and smoky flavours.
It’s ideal for glazing grilled meats, dipping, or adding a tropical twist to everyday dishes.
How To Prepare Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Condiment / Sauce
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Hawaiian-American Fusion
Yield: Approximately 3 cups of sauce
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk or silicone spatula
- Knife & cutting board (for ginger)
- Airtight glass jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 tablespoons molasses (unsulphured)
- 1 cup water
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste (low-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional but adds great depth)
How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce?
1. Gather And Add Ingredients:
Start by pouring all your ingredients into a medium saucepan. That includes pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar or honey, soy sauce, minced ginger, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne, molasses, water, tomato paste, and a dash of liquid smoke.
2. Stir Everything Together:
Use a whisk or spoon to mix it all up until everything is nicely combined and smooth.
3. Heat It Up:
Put the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Let it warm up until it starts to gently bubble. Stir now and then so nothing sticks or burns.
4. Let It Thicken:
Turn the heat down a bit and let the sauce simmer without a lid for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally. It should thicken up just keep an eye on the texture until it’s how you like it.
5. Taste Test:
Give it a taste. Want it spicier? Sweeter? Saltier? Adjust to your liking.
6. Cool And Store:
Once it’s done, let the sauce cool completely. Then pour it into a clean glass jar or container with a tight lid. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it if you want to keep it longer.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Protein | 1g |
Best Variations
➣ Add crushed pineapple for a chunkier texture and extra sweetness.
➣ Stir in a splash of bourbon to give the sauce a smoky, boozy depth.
➣ Mix in fresh chili peppers or sriracha to turn up the heat.
➣ Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a slightly sweeter, gluten-free version.
➣ Blend in mango puree for a fruitier, tropical twist that pairs well with grilled seafood.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce
➢ Use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned for a brighter, more natural flavor.
➢ Let the sauce simmer slowly to deepen the taste and help it thicken without burning.
➢ Balance sweetness and acidity by adjusting the amount of brown sugar or vinegar to suit your preference.
➢ Store the sauce in a glass jar to preserve its flavor and keep it fresh longer in the fridge.
➢ Add a touch of chili flakes or cayenne for a mild heat that complements the sweetness without overpowering it.
Serving Suggestions Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce
1. Brush over grilled chicken or pork during the final minutes of cooking for a glossy, flavorful glaze.
2. Toss into pulled pork or shredded chicken for a tropical BBQ sandwich filling.
3. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders, fries, or roasted vegetables.
4. Spread on burgers or sliders as a sweet and smoky condiment.
5. Drizzle over grilled shrimp or skewers for a bold island-inspired finish.
Why You Should Try This Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Today?
This Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce brings a unique blend of sweet pineapple, smoky spices, and rich molasses that adds bold flavor to any meal.
The tropical ingredients create a depth that stands out from store-bought sauces. Fresh ginger and a hint of heat give it balance and character.
It’s a sauce I’ve made many times, and it always impresses. The simple process and rewarding taste make it a great addition to your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll want to keep it on hand.
How do you preserve Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce?
Store Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce in a clean, airtight glass jar or container after it has completely cooled. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays and freeze in portions. Thaw only what you need to avoid repeated reheating.
Always use a clean spoon when scooping from the jar to prevent contamination. Proper storage helps maintain the sauce’s flavour, texture, and safety for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresh Pineapple Juice Necessary?
Fresh juice gives better flavour, but canned works fine if that’s what’s available.
Does The Sauce Taste Very Sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness, but you can adjust sugar or molasses as preferred.
Is This Sauce Suitable For Vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are plant-based and vegetarian-friendly.
Can I Use This Sauce For Marinating Meat?
Yes, it works well as a marinade and adds great flavour before grilling or baking.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce was a fun and simple recipe to make, and the result turned out absolutely delicious.
I really enjoyed creating it and sharing the process. I hope it inspires you to try it for yourself. It doesn’t take much time, and the flavours are worth every minute.
If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out and how much you enjoyed the taste. I’m looking forward to hearing about your version soon.
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Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk or silicone spatula
- Knife & cutting board (for ginger)
- Airtight glass jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 tablespoons molasses unsulphured
- 1 cup water
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste (low-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional but adds great depth
Instructions
Gather And Add Ingredients:
- Start by pouring all your ingredients into a medium saucepan. That includes pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar or honey, soy sauce, minced ginger, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne, molasses, water, tomato paste, and a dash of liquid smoke.
Stir Everything Together:
- Use a whisk or spoon to mix it all up until everything is nicely combined and smooth.
Heat It Up:
- Put the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Let it warm up until it starts to gently bubble. Stir now and then so nothing sticks or burns.
Let It Thicken:
- Turn the heat down a bit and let the sauce simmer without a lid for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally. It should thicken up just keep an eye on the texture until it’s how you like it.
Taste Test:
- Give it a taste. Want it spicier? Sweeter? Saltier? Adjust to your liking.
Cool And Store:
- Once it’s done, let the sauce cool completely. Then pour it into a clean glass jar or container with a tight lid. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it if you want to keep it longer.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45 | Total Fat: 0g | Carbohydrates: 11g | Sugars: 9g | Sodium: 300mg | Protein: 1g“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!”