Authentic Huli Huli Sauce Recipe for Perfect Grilled Chicken

Huli huli sauce is a beloved Hawaiian marinade and glaze known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Traditionally used to baste grilled chicken, this sauce transforms any dish into a tropical delight.

Its name “huli huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the frequent turning of meat on the grill to ensure an even, caramelized coating. If you’ve ever wanted to bring a taste of Hawaii into your kitchen, mastering an authentic huli huli sauce recipe is the way to go!

With just a handful of simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and pineapple juice, this sauce is incredibly easy to make from scratch. Whether you’re grilling chicken, tofu, or vegetables, huli huli sauce adds a vibrant, mouthwatering flavor that’s sure to impress family and friends.

In this post, I’ll guide you through a detailed, authentic huli huli sauce recipe that captures the essence of Hawaiian cooking. Get ready to turn your barbecue into an island feast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This authentic huli huli sauce recipe stands out because it perfectly balances sweetness and umami with a hint of smokiness. Made from fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic combined with the tropical tang of pineapple juice, it is both refreshing and deeply flavorful.

It’s incredibly versatile — perfect for marinating chicken, fish, or vegetables. You can use it as a basting sauce on the grill or as a dipping sauce to complement your meals.

Plus, it’s straightforward to make with everyday pantry staples, so you won’t need to hunt down exotic ingredients.

If you enjoy exploring new flavors and crave something a bit different from your usual BBQ sauces, this huli huli sauce will become a new favorite in your recipe collection. For more easy and delicious sauce ideas, check out our Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide and Vegan Mayo Recipe Tofu: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
• 1 cup pineapple juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1/4 cup water

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Basting brush (if using on the grill)
• Storage container or jar with a lid

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and water. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
2. Bring to a simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Simmer and reduce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich, glossy texture.
4. Adjust flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed. If you like it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes toward the end of cooking.
5. Strain the sauce (optional): For a smoother finish, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container. This step removes the garlic and ginger solids but is optional depending on your texture preference.
6. Cool and store: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
7. Use as marinade or glaze: When ready to cook, use the sauce to marinate chicken or brush it onto grilled meats and vegetables during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a sticky, caramelized finish.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Always reserve some sauce for basting or serving to avoid cross-contamination.”

• Make it smoky: Add a splash of liquid smoke or grill the meat over charcoal for an authentic smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian/Vegan option: Use the sauce as a glaze for grilled tofu, tempeh, or vegetables. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional BBQ sauces.
• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water and whisk into the simmering sauce, cooking until thickened.
• Extra tropical twist: Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice or a splash of coconut aminos for a subtle tropical complexity.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on brands and exact measurements used.

Serving Suggestions

Huli huli sauce is traditionally paired with grilled chicken, but its uses extend far beyond that. Brush it on grilled shrimp or salmon for a Hawaiian-inspired seafood dish.

It also works beautifully as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or grilled vegetables.

For a vegan twist, marinate tofu or tempeh in the sauce before grilling or pan-frying. Serve your huli huli-glazed proteins with steamed rice and a fresh side salad or grilled pineapple slices for a complete Hawaiian-themed meal.

If you’re interested in exploring more quick and delicious plant-based dishes, you might enjoy our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or the vibrant Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Conclusion

Mastering an authentic huli huli sauce recipe opens the door to a world of tropical flavors and memorable meals. This sauce offers the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that can elevate everything from chicken to vegetables.

Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it an accessible recipe for both novice and seasoned home cooks.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply looking to add some island flair to your weeknight dinners, huli huli sauce is a fantastic choice. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe and make it your own by adjusting the sweetness, spice, or thickness.

For those looking to dive deeper into flavorful homemade sauces and savory dishes, explore our collection of recipes like the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping and Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.

Enjoy your cooking adventure and bring a little aloha spirit to every meal!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Authentic Huli Huli Sauce Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A sweet and savory Hawaiian sauce perfect for grilled chicken. This traditional recipe balances soy sauce, pineapple, and ginger flavors.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “1 1/2 cups, enough for 4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup soy sauce”, “1 cup pineapple juice”, “1/2 cup brown sugar”, “1/4 cup ketchup”, “2 tablespoons rice vinegar”, “2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon sesame oil”, “1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes”, “2 tablespoons green onion, chopped”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar in a saucepan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onion.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool before using as a marinade or glaze.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “2g”, “fatContent”: “1g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25g”}}