Luau BBQ Sauce Recipe

Eliana

Luau BBQ Sauce Recipe delivers a unique blend of tropical sweetness and smoky depth that transforms ordinary dishes into flavorful meals. Pineapple juice adds bright fruitiness while soy sauce and spices create savory balance. This sauce enhances grilled chicken, ribs, seafood, and roasted vegetables with ease.

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Prep Time 8

Cook Time 13

Total Time 21

Servings: 17 servings

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Hawaiian inspired (Luau BBQ style)

Calories: 55

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup pineapple juice or crushed pineapple, blended
½ cup ketchup or 2–3 tbsp tomato paste + water
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp honey or molasses
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic finely minced
1 tsp fresh ginger grated
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili flakes
½ tsp black pepper
1 –2 tsp sriracha or cayenne pepper
½ tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp sesame oil

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups & spoons
Garlic press or knife
Grater (for ginger)
Cutting board

Method

Step 1: Get Everything Ready

Start by measuring out all your ingredients so you’re not scrambling later. Finely chop the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. If you’re using crushed pineapple, give it a quick blend to make the texture smoother.

Step 2: Mix The Base

Pour the pineapple juice into a saucepan, then add ketchup (or tomato paste), brown sugar, molasses, both vinegars, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Build The Flavor

Set the pan over medium heat and let it come to a gentle simmer. Add smoked paprika, chili flakes, black pepper, Sriracha if you like extra heat, liquid smoke, and a bit of sesame oil. Keep stirring so nothing sticks and the flavors blend nicely.

Step 4: Let It Thicken

Turn the heat down low and let the sauce simmer for about 8 to 13 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Taste it and tweak the sweetness or spice if needed. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool before using.

Notes

Nutrition Facts