Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe – Sweet And Tangy

Do you want to add a little sweetness, tang, and a tropical flair to your grilled meats? I’ve got you covered with this Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce recipe! It’s a fun and delicious way to bring a bit of the islands to your backyard BBQ.

Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce recipe is a sweet and tangy condiment that blends fresh pineapple, brown sugar, and a hint of rum with classic BBQ flavors.

The sauce has a tropical, fruity taste with a balance of sweetness, acidity, and mild spice from jalapenos and red pepper flakes. Perfect for grilled meats, it adds a zesty and savory twist to any dish.

In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know about making your own homemade Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce recipe, including preparation time, cooking instructions, nutritional facts, and a few tips for getting the best flavor.

So let’s dive right in!

Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Course: Sauce/Condiment

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Hawaiian/BBQ

Calories: Approx. 90 calories per 2-tablespoon serving

Yield: 2 cups (about 16-18 servings)

Kitchen Utensils

• Small Saucepan,
• Spoon,
• Chopping Board,
• Knife,
• Measuring Cups/Spoons,
• Grater,
• Garlic Press (Optional)

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh pineapple juice (or canned if fresh is unavailable)
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
• 1½ cups fresh pineapple, chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup golden rum
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced jalapeno. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent.

2. Stir in 1½ cups of fresh pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pineapple to soften.

3. Pour in the fresh pineapple juice, ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and golden rum. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Add the kosher salt, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, dry mustard, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to incorporate all the seasonings.

5. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the sauce uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should reduce slightly and thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pan or transfer the sauce to a regular blender. Blend until smooth and velvety.

7. Let the BBQ sauce cool down before using. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Special Notes

If you’re a fan of spicy food, increase the red pepper flakes or add a little chili paste. It’s easy to customize the heat level in this sauce!

For a smooth, velvety texture, blend the sauce after it’s cooked. This will remove any chunks of onion or garlic, giving you a perfect, silky consistency.

My Tips For Making The Perfect

➤ Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, use fresh pineapple juice and chunks for the best flavor. It adds a natural sweetness and a more vibrant taste to the sauce.

➤ Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of jalapeno and red pepper flakes to match your spice preference. Start with less if you’re not a fan of heat.

➤ Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce to your desired texture.

➤ Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before finishing! You can balance sweetness with more brown sugar, acidity with vinegar, or adjust the salt to your liking.

➤ Let It Rest: After cooking, let the sauce sit for a bit to let the flavors meld together before using it. It only gets better with time!

Usage Suggestions

1. This Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce recipe is a perfect addition to your grilled chicken, pork, or even burgers. Its tangy sweetness will balance out the smokiness of grilled meats.

2. The sweet and savory flavor of this sauce complements the richness of ribs. Brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling for a glossy, flavorful coating.

3. For a plant-based twist, use this sauce as a marinade or glaze for grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

4. It works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or even roasted potatoes. You can also serve it as a side dip alongside grilled meats.

Health Benefits

This Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce recipe is not just a flavor bomb, it also offers a few health benefits!

1. Pineapple Benefits

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and may help reduce inflammation. It’s also rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin elasticity.

2. Low-Calorie Option

If you’re watching your calorie intake, this BBQ sauce is a relatively low-calorie alternative to store-bought versions, which often contain added preservatives and artificial flavors.

3. No Artificial Additives

Unlike many commercial BBQ sauces, this recipe is free from artificial colors and preservatives, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.

4. Ginger and Garlic Health Boost

Both ginger and garlic have long been known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Garlic also helps lower cholesterol and supports heart health.

More BBQ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love

Low FODMAP BBQ Sauce Recipe – Healthy Call

Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe – Easy & Best

Homemade BBQ Sauce For Burgers

Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe (Easy Homemade)

Homemade Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe

FAQs About Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce

Conclusion

My experience with making Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce recipe has been a delightful one. The combination of sweet pineapple, tangy vinegar, and the smoky depth of paprika creates a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for summer grilling.

The Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce recipe mild heat from jalapenos and red pepper flakes adds just the right kick, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any BBQ spread.

If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me in your Instagram photos you know I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines. Happy grilling!