10+ Hawaiian Recipes to Savor the Flavors of the Islands

Hawaiian recipes offer a delightful mix of flavors that reflect the rich culture and history of the islands. These dishes celebrate fresh ingredients and diverse culinary influences, making them a joy to prepare and share with family and friends. Whether you’re looking to try something new or bring a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen, these recipes are sure to inspire you.

From savory meats to sweet desserts, the variety of Hawaiian cuisine can cater to all tastes. You’ll find comforting favorites that warm your heart and dishes that evoke the spirit of the islands. Embrace the exciting world of Hawaiian cooking and experience the delicious flavors that await you.

1) Ahi Poke Bowls

Ahi poke bowls are a delicious Hawaiian dish made with fresh tuna. The main ingredient is ahi, or yellowfin tuna, which is cubed and marinated in a savory sauce. You can enjoy it over a bed of rice or greens.

To make your poke bowl exciting, add toppings like avocado, seaweed, and sesame seeds. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal. You can also spice it up with green onions and a touch of soy sauce.

This dish is not just tasty; it’s also quick to prepare. You can have a healthy and flavorful meal ready in about 15 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ahi tuna
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Seaweed, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked rice or greens

Cooking Instructions

1. Cube the ahi tuna into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and sweet onion.
3. Add the tuna and green onions, mixing gently.
4. Serve over cooked rice or greens.
5. Top with seaweed and sesame seeds before serving.

2) Loco Moco

Loco Moco is a delicious Hawaiian dish that brings comfort and flavor together. It typically consists of three main layers: rice, a beef patty, and a fried egg. All of this is smothered in savory gravy.

To make a classic loco moco, you’ll start with a base of fluffy white rice. Next, you cook a seasoned beef patty until it’s nice and browned. Finally, you top it all with a perfectly fried egg and drizzle on some rich gravy.

This dish is not just filling but also very satisfying. It’s popular on the islands and loved by many for its hearty taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup brown gravy
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Form ground beef into patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes per side.
4. In the same pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
5. Assemble your dish: place rice on a plate, top with the beef patty, add the fried egg, and pour gravy over everything.

3) Spam Musubi

Spam musubi is a tasty snack from Hawaii that combines flavors in a simple way. It’s made by placing slices of grilled Spam on rice and wrapping it with seaweed.

To make this dish, you start by cooking some rice. While the rice cools, you can prepare the Spam. Many people like to marinate it in soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.

Once everything is ready, you press the rice into a mold, add the Spam, and wrap it all up in a piece of nori seaweed. It’s great for lunches or quick snacks!

Ingredients

• 1 can Spam
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 3 sheets nori (seaweed)
• Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice as per package instructions.
2. Slice the Spam and fry it until golden brown.
3. In a mold, press down the cooked rice.
4. Layer the Spam on top of the rice.
5. Wrap the rice and Spam with nori.
6. Slice into pieces and enjoy!

4) Chicken Long Rice

Chicken Long Rice is a delicious Hawaiian dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful broth and long rice noodles. It’s a warm, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

To make this dish, you’ll need chicken thighs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chicken broth. The noodles soak up all the tasty flavors. You can also add vegetables if you like!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 3 tbsp shoyu (soy sauce)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sugar
• 10.5 oz bean thread noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine ginger, garlic, and chicken broth.
2. Add the chicken thighs and bring to a boil.
3. Cook for about 40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the chicken and shred it.
5. Add the bean thread noodles to the broth and cook until soft.
6. Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot and mix well. Enjoy!

5) Huli-Huli Chicken

Huli-Huli Chicken is a delicious Hawaiian dish known for its sweet and savory flavors. This grilled chicken is marinated with a mix of pineapple juice and teriyaki sauce.

The name “Huli-Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, as you turn the chicken while grilling for even cooking. The marinade gives the chicken a tasty, smoky flavor you will love.

You can enjoy Huli-Huli Chicken at any gathering or family dinner. It’s simple to make and sure to impress your friends.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and oil.
2. Place the chicken in the marinade. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade. Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, basting with leftover marinade.
5. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Enjoy!

6) Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a delicious dish that brings the flavors of the islands to your kitchen. This recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce.

To make this dish, start with fresh shrimp, preferably local varieties. You’ll coat them in a blend of flour, paprika, and cayenne for added flavor and crunch. Sauté the shrimp in a generous amount of garlic and butter for an unforgettable taste experience.

Serve this dish with rice to soak up the savory sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, deveined and shell-on
• 2 ½ Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 ½ tsp Hawaiian sea salt or Kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup minced garlic
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Coat shrimp with the flour mixture.
3. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

7) Luau Stew

Luau Stew is a cherished Hawaiian dish known for its rich flavors. It is made primarily with luau leaves, which come from the taro plant. These leaves are cooked until they are tender and paired with meat for a hearty meal.

You can enjoy Luau Stew with rice or poi. The combination of savory meat and delicious leaves creates a unique taste. Many families have their own special recipes for this traditional dish.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef stew meat
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 quarts (3.8 liters) water
• 2 pounds luau (taro) leaves
• 2 tablespoons salt
• Dash of black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the beef, garlic, onion, water, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add the luau leaves and stir well.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours at 250°F (121°C) or until the meat is tender.

8) Haupia

Haupia is a popular Hawaiian dessert that you will love. It is a coconut pudding made with just a few simple ingredients. The creamy texture and sweet flavor make it a refreshing treat.

To make haupia, you will need coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and water. This dessert is often cut into squares and served at luaus and weddings. It’s both gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for many diets.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, mix the coconut milk and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and water to make a smooth paste.
3. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan.
4. Cook over medium heat until it thickens, stirring constantly.
5. Pour into a dish and let it cool.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
7. Cut into squares and serve.

9) Chicken Katsu

Chicken Katsu is a delicious dish from Hawaii that features breaded and fried chicken cutlets. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a favorite for many.

To make Chicken Katsu, you start with chicken thighs, which are seasoned and coated in panko breadcrumbs. This gives it that extra crunch that everyone loves.

You can serve it with rice and a tasty katsu sauce to dip. It’s a simple meal that feels special.

Ingredients

• 6-10 chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1½ cups flour
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2-3 cups oil for frying
• Katsu sauce for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and panko.
3. Coat each chicken piece in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally in panko.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
5. Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve with katsu sauce.

10) Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi

Macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi is a tasty dish that brings a touch of Hawaii to your table. The fish is coated in crunchy macadamia nuts, adding a rich flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself.

First, season the mahi mahi with salt and pepper. Then, mix chopped macadamia nuts with breadcrumbs to create a delicious crust. You can bake or pan-fry the fish until it is golden brown.

Serve your mahi mahi with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. A tropical sauce can add even more flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 mahi mahi fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the fish with salt and pepper.
3. Spread mayonnaise on one side of the fish.
4. Combine panko breadcrumbs and macadamia nuts.
5. Press the mixture onto the mayonnaise side of the fish.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.