Are you sick of the same old sauce used for barbecue? Look no further than this homemade Huli Huli sauce with a Hawaiian flair! You may use this sweet and sour sauce on any kind of meat, including beef, hog, and chicken.
This is a really simple homemade recipe that tastes great any day of the week! The real, smokey flavor of this recipe comes from our Weber Charcoal Grill.
Getting Started: The Ingredients You’ll Need
Now, don’t worry, making this sauce isn’t complicated. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ve got this! Here’s what you need:
- Soy Sauce: This is the backbone of the sauce, giving it that savory depth.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness, which helps the sauce caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Pineapple Juice: A must-have! It gives the sauce a fruity zing and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Ketchup: Adds a bit of richness and that familiar tomato flavor.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger is best—it adds warmth and a slight spiciness.
- Garlic: Because what’s a good marinade without garlic? It brings that robust, aromatic kick.
- Rice Vinegar: Balances out the sweetness with just the right amount of acidity.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way here. It adds a nutty, toasty flavor that’s oh-so-good.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a bit of complexity with its blend of savory flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Like it spicy? A pinch of these will give your sauce a nice heat.
Step-by-Step: Making Your Huli Huli Sauce
- Prep Your Ingredients
Before you dive in, make sure everything’s ready. Mince your garlic and ginger finely—trust me, you want that flavor to spread evenly throughout the sauce.
- Mix the Base Ingredients
Grab a medium-sized bowl. Mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and ketchup. Stir it up until the sugar is fully dissolved, and you’ve got a smooth mixture.
- Add the Aromatics
Now, toss in that minced garlic and ginger. Stir it in well so that every bit of your sauce is infused with those fresh, bold flavors.
- Balance Everything Out
Next, pour in the rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Worcestershire sauce. These add layers of flavor that make the sauce sing. Give it a good stir.
- Taste and Adjust
Here’s the fun part—give your sauce a taste. If you like it a bit spicier, this is where you sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Marinate Your Chicken
Got your chicken ready? Place it in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the sauce over it, making sure it’s fully coated. Now, here’s a tip: let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can, leave it overnight. The longer, the better!
Time to Grill: Getting That Perfect Huli Huli Chicken
Now that your chicken has soaked up all that goodness, it’s time to fire up the grill.
- Preheat Your Grill
Get your grill nice and hot—medium-high heat is what you’re aiming for. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken, but not so hot that it burns before it cooks through.
- Grill to Perfection
Place your marinated chicken on the grill. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it, and don’t forget to turn it a few times (Keep In Mind “Huli Huli” means “turn, turn”) to make sure it cooks evenly. The goal? An internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Baste with Extra Sauce
While your chicken is grilling, don’t forget to baste it with extra Huli Huli sauce. This will give it that sticky, caramelized finish that’s to die for.
- Rest Before Serving
Once your chicken is perfectly grilled, let it rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken even more flavorful and juicy.
Serving Up Some Aloha
All right, your Huli Huli chicken is ready to serve! But what goes best with it? Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed Rice: Simple, but perfect for soaking up all that extra sauce.
- Grilled Pineapple: This adds a sweet, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: Creamy and tangy, it’s a great side dish that complements the chicken’s richness.
- Mixed Green Salad: For something lighter, a fresh salad can balance out the meal.
Keeping Your Sauce for Later
One of the great things about Huli Huli sauce is that you can make it ahead of time. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll last up to a week.
- Freeze: Want to keep it longer? Freeze it! Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to use it.
And when you’re ready to use it again, just warm it up gently—either on the stove or in the microwave—and you’re good to go. This sauce isn’t just for chicken, by the way. Try it as a dipping sauce or glaze for other meats or even veggies.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—the ultimate guide to making Huli Huli sauce at home. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or just want to try something new for dinner, this sauce is sure to bring a taste of Hawaii to your table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if this becomes a go-to recipe in your kitchen!