Hawaiian Kabobs

Hawaiian Kabobs Recipe - Delicious and Authentic Island Flavor

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hawaiian Kabobs are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory chicken and vegetables. These kabobs are perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner.

History

Hawaiian Kabobs are inspired by traditional Hawaiian cuisine, which often incorporates tropical fruits like pineapple into savory dishes. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish is a hallmark of Hawaiian cooking.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 (15.25 oz (432 g)) can unsweetened pineapple chunks
0.5 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp dry mustard
0.25 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 large green pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
12 medium mushrooms
18 cherry tomatoes
hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a large shallow dish. Drain the pineapple, reserving 0.5 cup of the juice.
Set the pineapple aside. In a small pan, mix the reserved juice with the next 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover and chill for 1 hour. Remove the chicken from the marinade, but reserve the marinade.
Thread the chicken, pineapple, green pepper, mushrooms, and tomatoes onto skewers, alternating them.
Grill the kabobs over hot coals for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Turn the kabobs and baste them frequently with the reserved marinade.
Serve the kabobs over hot rice.

Variations

Use shrimp or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor.
Add chunks of red onion or zucchini to the kabobs for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients to prevent them from burning on the grill.

- Baste the kabobs frequently with the reserved marinade while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hawaiian Kabobs over hot cooked rice for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Grill the kabobs over hot coals for the best flavor, but you can also broil them in the oven if you don't have a grill.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a different flavor.

- Substitute honey for the brown sugar for a sweeter marinade.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the kabobs up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Hawaiian Kabobs on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Hawaiian Kabobs with a cold beer or a tropical fruit punch for a refreshing drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Hawaiian Kabobs are a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Summary

Hawaiian Kabobs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, these kabobs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day and I was at a friend's house for a barbecue. As we sat around the table enjoying the delicious food, my friend's husband started talking about his recent trip to Hawaii. He described this amazing dish called Hawaiian Kabobs that he had while he was there.

He went on and on about how delicious it was, with the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I asked him for the recipe, but he just smiled and said it was a secret family recipe that had been passed down for generations.

I was determined to recreate it at home. I spent the next few days researching Hawaiian cuisine and trying to figure out the key ingredients that would make this dish so special. I read about the traditional Hawaiian flavors like pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger, and I knew I had to incorporate them into my own version of Hawaiian Kabobs.

I started experimenting in the kitchen, trying out different marinades and combinations of ingredients. After a few failed attempts, I finally hit upon the perfect recipe. The marinade was a delicious blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. I marinated the chicken and vegetables for hours before threading them onto skewers and grilling them to perfection.

The aroma that filled my kitchen as the kabobs cooked was intoxicating. I couldn't wait to taste them. When I finally took my first bite, I was blown away. The flavors were even better than I had imagined – sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious.

I knew I had to share this recipe with my family and friends. I hosted a Hawaiian-themed dinner party and served my homemade Hawaiian Kabobs as the main course. Everyone raved about how delicious they were and asked for the recipe. I felt so proud to have created something so special.

Over the years, I have continued to make Hawaiian Kabobs for special occasions and gatherings. Each time I make them, I think back to that first time I saw the recipe and how determined I was to recreate it. It has become a beloved dish in my family, and I love passing it down to future generations.

I have since learned that Hawaiian Kabobs are a popular dish in Hawaii, often served at luaus and family gatherings. I feel honored to have been able to bring a taste of Hawaiian cuisine into my own home and share it with the people I love.

As I sit here reminiscing about my journey to perfecting the recipe for Hawaiian Kabobs, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have inspired me along the way. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue learning and experimenting with new recipes.

I hope that my story inspires others to step out of their comfort zones and try new dishes and flavors. You never know what amazing creations you might discover along the way. And who knows, maybe you'll create a family favorite like Hawaiian Kabobs that will be treasured for years to come.