I’ve always been a huge fan of Ono Hawaiian BBQ’s mouthwatering flavors. The sweet and tangy sauces paired with perfectly grilled meats always leave me craving more. But did you know you can recreate that delicious taste right in your own kitchen?
With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can whip up your very own Ono Hawaiian BBQ copycat recipe. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or just want to enjoy your favorite Hawaiian dishes at home, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Ono BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Grilled Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Steamed white rice
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Chopped green onions
Equipment
To craft the perfect Ono Hawaiian BBQ copycat dish, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Grill or Grill Pan
Essential for achieving that authentic smoky flavor and those beautiful grill marks.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
For precise measurements of sauces and spices to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Mixing Bowls
Ideal for combining your marinade and BBQ sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Whisk or Spoon
Helps in blending the ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Basting Brush
Perfect for applying the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken during grilling.
- Tongs
Necessary for flipping the chicken without piercing it, keeping it juicy and tender.
- Cooking Thermometer
Ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Aluminum Foil
Useful for resting the chicken after grilling, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Knife and Cutting Board
For prepping ingredients like green onions and pineapple slices for serving.
Having these tools on hand will make the cooking process seamless and help you replicate the delicious Ono Hawaiian BBQ flavors at home.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing parts of the Ono Hawaiian BBQ copycat recipe ahead of time can streamline your cooking process and enhance the flavors. Here’s how I like to get things ready in advance:
Prepare the BBQ Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
- Store Properly: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare Chicken: Season 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Marinate: Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the prepared BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
Pre-Prep Sides
- Chop Green Onions: Finely slice 3 green onions and store them in a small container in the refrigerator.
- Slice Pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, slice it and keep the slices in an airtight container. Grilling fresh pineapple added sweetness and a lovely caramelized texture.
Organize Your Equipment
- Gather Tools: Ensure your grill or grill pan, basting brush, tongs, measuring cups, and spoons are clean and ready to use.
- Pre-measure Ingredients: Measure out any additional ingredients you’ll need during cooking to save time and maintain organization.
Freezing Option
If you plan to make the recipe weeks ahead, both the BBQ sauce and marinated chicken can be frozen separately. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, label them with the date, and store for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience and serve a delicious Ono Hawaiian BBQ meal that impresses every time.
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your very own Ono Hawaiian BBQ copycat meal. From preparing the marinade to serving the delicious grilled chicken, I’ll guide you through each stage to ensure a flavorful and authentic experience.
Prepare the Marinade
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and consistent marinade.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the marinade for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Marinate the Meat
- Prepare the Chicken: Take 4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season: Lightly coat the chicken with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Apply Marinade: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to absorb the rich flavors.
Cook the Meat
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of about 375°F (190°C).
- Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the thighs on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste with Sauce: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the remaining marinade onto the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
- Rest the Meat: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Serve and Enjoy
- Prepare Sides: While the chicken rests, steam 2 cups of white rice and slice fresh pineapple into rings. Chop 2 green onions for garnish.
- Arrange the Plate: Serve each chicken thigh over a bed of steamed rice. Add grilled pineapple slices on the side.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken and pineapple for a burst of color and freshness.
- Final Touch: For an authentic touch, drizzle any remaining BBQ sauce over the top and enjoy your homemade Ono Hawaiian BBQ meal with family and friends.
Conclusion
I’m so excited for you to try this Ono Hawaiian BBQ copycat recipe. Bringing these flavors home makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Enjoy grilling up some tasty dishes and creating wonderful memories with your loved ones. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
