Top 5 Must-Try Hawaiian Recipes for Foodies

Hawaiian cuisine is a vibrant blend of native ingredients, Asian influences, and island flair. The allure of island flavors—think fresh fish, succulent pork, and tropical fruits—can transport you to a sandy beach with each bite. Let's dive into the top five must-try Hawaiian recipes that'll have you daydreaming about that next island road trip.

1. Loco Moco

Loco Moco is the ultimate Hawaiian comfort food—a hearty dish that combines rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and gravy. It's as satisfying as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 pound ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup beef gravy

Steps

1. Form the ground beef into patties and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat until desired doneness.
3. Fry the eggs sunny-side up.
4. To assemble, place a scoop of rice on a plate, top with a beef patty, an egg, and cover with gravy.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• For extra flavor, mix some minced onions and Worcestershire sauce into the ground beef.
• If you like a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.

2. Kalua Pork

Kalua Pork is smoky, tender, and incredibly versatile. Traditionally cooked in an underground oven, you can easily make it at home using an oven or slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Rub the pork shoulder with sea salt and liquid smoke.
3. Wrap the pork in ti leaves or banana leaves (optional) and then in aluminum foil.
4. Roast in the oven for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and can be easily shredded.
5. Shred the pork with two forks, and serve with cabbage, in tacos, or sliders.

Tips

• A slow cooker can also be used: cook on low for 8-10 hours.
• Leftovers make great additions to fried rice or sandwiches.

3. Poke Bowl

Fresh, healthy, and easy to customize, the Poke Bowl is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. It's typically made with fresh fish, a variety of toppings, and a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ahi tuna or salmon, cubed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Toppings: avocado, seaweed salad, cucumber, radish, edamame

Steps

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds.
2. Add the cubed fish to the bowl and toss to coat. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
3. To assemble, place a scoop of rice in a bowl, top with marinated fish, and add your favorite toppings.
4. Serve immediately.

Tips

• For added crunch, top with toasted macadamia nuts or crispy onions.
• Experiment with different fish and sauces to find your perfect combination.

4. Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled to smoky perfection and slathered in a sweet and savory glaze, Huli Huli Chicken is a crowd-pleaser. Equally delicious from the grill or the oven.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Steps

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
2. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
5. Brush with extra marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for an added glaze.
6. Serve with pineapple slaw or over rice.

Tips

• For an extra tangy flavor, add a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade.
• If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or broil in the oven.

5. Haupia (Coconut Pudding)

Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dessert that's creamy, coconutty, and the perfect ending to a tropical meal. Simple yet satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch

Steps

1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, and sugar. Heat until the sugar is dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry.
3. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly.
4. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour into an 8x8 inch pan and chill in the fridge until set, about 2 hours.
6. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips

• For chocolate haupia, mix in 1/4 cup cocoa powder with the cornstarch slurry.
• Top with shredded coconut or sliced fruit for added texture.

Conclusion

Hawaiian cuisine is a beautiful blend of flavors that can bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen. Try these recipes at home and share your creations on social media—let's spread the aloha spirit, one dish at a time!