Hawaiian Bros Recipe – Tasty Tropical Dish

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a slice of island life, you might appreciate the charm of Hawaiian Bros’ culinary offerings. The Huli Huli Chicken, with its mouthwatering marinade of pineapple juice and savory elements, is a centerpiece that both satisfies and surprises. You’ll find this dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s a celebration of culture and community that enhances any meal. Curious about how to recreate this tropical marvel in your own kitchen? The recipe holds more than just ingredients—it’s a gateway to an experience waiting for you to investigate.

Key Takeaways

• The signature dish at Hawaiian Bros is Huli Huli Chicken, known for its sweet and savory marinade using pineapple juice and soy sauce.
• To prepare Huli Huli Chicken, marinate the chicken and grill it for a smoky flavor, ideal for gatherings.
• Suggested sides include white rice, macaroni salad, or salad to complement the Huli Huli Chicken.
• Nutritionally, Huli Huli Chicken offers a good source of protein and fiber, though it’s high in calories and sodium.
• Hawaiian Bros emphasizes fresh ingredients, with no freezers, fryers, or microwaves, ensuring quality in every dish served.

History

In the mid-90s, a native Hawaiian named Kekoa opened a restaurant in Oregon, bringing the traditional Hawaiian Plate Lunch to the mainland. He moved from the Big Island, sharing family recipes that represented the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. His restaurant quickly became a local favorite, particularly among brothers Cameron and Tyler McNie.

Inspired by Kekoa’s culinary offerings, the McNie brothers plunged themselves into the Hawaiian food tradition, learning directly from Kekoa before he closed his restaurant. Their passion for the cuisine led to a family venture opening additional Hawaiian restaurants across Oregon, helping expand what they’d learned. During this time, they received training from Kekoa which reinforced their dedication to authentic preparation methods.

In 2017, Cameron and Tyler decided to introduce the Hawaiian Plate Lunch to new audiences beyond Oregon. They partnered with Paul and Joel Worcester, launching Hawaiian Bros in the Kansas City area. Their first location opened in Belton, Missouri, in February 2018.

This expansion reflects the evolving nature of Hawaiian cuisine, which draws on a rich history of cultural influences from Polynesia and various immigrant communities. Together, they’re committed to building a legacy that celebrates Hawaiian food and its diverse roots.

Recipe

Huli Huli Chicken is a deliciously flavorful dish originating from Hawaii, known for its sweet and savory marinade that brings out the natural juiciness of the chicken. Traditionally, this dish is grilled to perfection, allowing the smoky flavors to meld with the bright notes of pineapple and ginger. It’s an ideal meal for gatherings, barbecues, or a family dinner, providing a taste of the islands right at your table. The cooking process involves using a grilling basket over hot coals, which is key to achieving that signature caramelized glaze.

To prepare Huli Huli Chicken, you’ll first need to create a tangy marinade that combines pineapple juice, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients. Marinate the chicken for a couple of hours to let the flavors infuse. Once marinated, you can cook the chicken on a BBQ grill or a skillet until it’s perfectly caramelized and cooked through, achieving that beautiful glaze that Huli Huli chicken is famous for.

Ingredients:
– Chicken thighs or breast
– Pineapple juice (canned or bottled)
– Ginger (freshly grated)
– Garlic (freshly grated)
– Tomato ketchup
– Soy sauce
– Sherry or Chinese cooking wine
– Brown sugar
– Sriracha
– Rice vinegar
– Sesame oil

To cook the Huli Huli Chicken, start by mixing the pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl to make the marinade.

Place the chicken in a larger resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for deeper flavor.

Preheat your BBQ grill or skillet over medium-high heat, brush it with oil, and cook the marinated chicken for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until it reaches the correct internal temperatures (75°C/167°F for thighs or 65°C/150°F for breasts).

Rest the chicken for 3 minutes before serving.

A few key tips to improve your cooking experience: always use canned or bottled pineapple juice to prevent over-tenderizing the chicken. Reserve some of the marinade to use for basting while cooking, as this maintains hygiene and creates a glistening finish on the chicken.

Don’t forget to garnish with green onions and grilled pineapple slices for a delightful presentation. For serving suggestions, consider pairing the chicken with white rice, macaroni salad, or a revitalizing salad for a traditional Hawaiian experience.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying Huli Huli Chicken is just one way to appreciate the vibrant culinary culture of Hawaii. Hawaiian Bros brings the tradition of Hawaiian plate lunches to your table with a diverse menu. Here’s what you can expect:

• Menu Variety: Their plates offer generous portions and include a variety of proteins. You can find options for gluten-free and nut-free diets. The classic plate consists of meat, two scoops of white rice, and one scoop of macaroni salad.

• Customer Feedback: Many reviews highlight the invigorating change from traditional fast food, praising the quality of flavors. However, some customers noted similarities in marination across chicken dishes and a possible lack of authenticity in traditional cooking methods. Positive remarks often mention the pasta salad and overall dining experience.

• Nutritional Information: The Huli Huli Chicken dish contains 1,270 calories per serving. It’s high in sodium and fats but provides a good source of protein and some fiber, making it a good source of protein that supports muscle repair and growth.

• Cultural Context: The ‘ohana (family) concept underpins the dining experience, making the plate lunch an essential part of Hawaiian culture. It reflects a rich history, influenced by diverse culinary traditions.

FAQ

What questions do you have about Hawaiian Bros? You might be wondering about their menu, founding, or service. Here’s what you should know:

• Menu: Hawaiian Bros offers a simplified menu featuring six key items—Huli Huli Chicken, Honolulu Chicken, Molokai Chicken, Kilauea Chicken, Luau Pig, and Seasoned Vegetables. Alongside, you’ll find fluffy white rice and macaroni salad, available in small, classic, or large sizes. Most items are gluten-free and all are nut-free, guaranteeing broad accessibility.

• Concept: The restaurant, founded in Kansas City by brothers Cameron and Tyler McNie, aims to serve fast, fresh, and flavorful Hawaiian plate lunches. With a unique menu and absence of large-scale direct competition, Hawaiian Bros is able to carve out a niche in the limited service restaurant sector.

• Growth: Since its inception in 2018, Hawaiian Bros has rapidly expanded to 21 traditional locations and five ghost kitchens.

• Customer Satisfaction: With a 4.5-star rating over 14,000 reviews, 98% of patrons would recommend Hawaiian Bros.

• Service: They prioritize speed and quality, with no freezers, fryers, or microwaves. This commitment guarantees fresh food and efficient delivery.

If you have more queries, feel free to ask!