Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe – Sweet And Tangy

My Baking Addiction presents a tropical twist called Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe. I have experience making BBQ sauces, but this version captured my attention while watching a Hawaiian food show featuring grilled dishes brushed with sweet pineapple glaze.

I felt inspired to recreate that bold island flavor in my kitchen. The main specialty of this Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe is the balance of tangy pineapple, savory soy sauce, and rich tomato sweetness.

Now, I will show step by step how this flavorful Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe comes together in a delicious homemade version.

Sweet And Tangy Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe

Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe Sweet and Tangy captures the bright, island-inspired taste of Hawaii in a smooth, flavorful sauce.

I made this Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe after watching a Hawaiian cook use pineapple to create a rich glaze that paired beautifully with grilled meats.

The sauce combines pineapple sweetness, tomato depth, soy savor, and gentle spices that create a tropical balance of flavors.

It adds a delicious shine and tangy sweetness to chicken, ribs, or vegetables, making every dish taste like a warm Hawaiian backyard barbecue full of freshness and aroma.

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

Yield: 2 cups

Kitchen Utensils

• Blender or food processor (or hand-mixer)
• Medium saucepan
• Stirring spoon or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Jar or airtight container for storage

Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1 cup ketchup (or tomato paste diluted accordingly)
• ¼ cup (60 mL) apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup (60 mL) brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or grated)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Start by making the base. Add the crushed pineapple, including its juice, into a blender along with the minced garlic and ginger. Blend everything until it’s completely smooth.

2. Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan. Add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. If you like some spice, add a bit of cayenne pepper. Stir well so everything is evenly combined.

3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking or burning.

4. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or up to 25 minutes if you want it thicker. The sauce should reduce slightly and take on a richer texture. If it gets too thick, add a splash of pineapple juice. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer.

5. When it’s ready, take it off the heat and taste it. Adjust the flavor to your liking more vinegar if you want it tangier, more sugar for sweetness, or extra cayenne for heat.

6. Allow the sauce to cool slightly, and then transfer it to a clean jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within five to seven days.

Nutrition Facts Of Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	70 kcal
Carbohydrates	17 g
Protein	0.5 g
Fat	0.1 g
Sodium	300 mg

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This Hawaiian pineapple BBQ sauce recipe is a must-try because it captures the true essence of tropical flavor blended into a rich, smoky sauce.

The sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with the tang of vinegar and depth of soy sauce, creating a flavor that enhances grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables.

The Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe brings a unique island-inspired taste that elevates any dish into something special.

Making this Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe at home allows you to control the balance of flavors, resulting in a fresh, vibrant, and authentic Hawaiian-style barbecue experience.

Usage Suggestions

This Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe can be used as a glaze on grilled chicken, pork ribs, or shrimp to add a tropical sweetness and smoky flavor.

It works well as a dipping sauce for fried appetizers, roasted vegetables, or even sandwiches and burgers. Brushing it onto kebabs while cooking enhances caramelization and flavor.

The sauce can also be stirred into rice bowls or drizzled over tacos for a Hawaiian-inspired twist. Storing it in the refrigerator allows for quick use whenever a burst of sweet and tangy flavor is needed.

Notes & Tips

1. If you prefer chunks of pineapple in the sauce, reserve ¼ cup chopped pineapple and stir them in after blending and before simmering.

2. For a smokier flavor, increase smoked paprika or add a drop of liquid smoke.

3. As you mentioned: blending first ensures a smooth texture, and simmering helps the flavors marry and the sauce thicken.

4. Use this sauce as a glaze on grilled chicken, pork, shrimp, or vegetables; or as a dipping sauce.

5. If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne or add a pinch of chili flakes.

6. If you want a lower-sugar version, reduce brown sugar slightly and compensate with a little more pineapple juice for volume.

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.

Variations

✔ Spicy Pineapple BBQ Sauce – Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a small diced chili pepper while simmering to give the sauce a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.

✔ Smoky Pineapple BBQ Sauce – Stir in ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika during cooking to intensify the smoky flavor, making it taste closer to a traditional smoked BBQ sauce.

✔ Tangy Citrus Pineapple BBQ Sauce – Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh orange or lime juice at the end of cooking for a bright, tangy twist that enhances the tropical flavor profile.

Proper Storage

Store Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.

Always let the sauce cool completely before sealing to maintain flavor and prevent condensation. When ready to use, thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.

Proper storage preserves the sauce’s sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors while keeping it safe and ready for your next meal.

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FAQs About Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe

Conclusion

This Hawaiian pineapple BBQ sauce is a delicious and healthy recipe that everyone can enjoy. Every time I make it, the flavors come together beautifully, and serving it always brings smiles to the table.

I love preparing this sauce because it turns ordinary meals into something special, and the process is easy and rewarding. I am sharing my simple method so others can experience the same joy I do.

I hope this Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe inspires you to try making it yourself and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.