Some Huli huli for the BBQ opening season

Whenever I hear "Kūlia, HULI!" that usually came in the voice of my Kumu Hula (Hula teacher). I would usually be "brain-dead", stuck in a position and forgot to turn..

Huli means “turn” in Hawaiian. Huli huli chicken is one the most famous BBQ in Hawai'i. It is actually rotisserie chicken, Hawaiian style. Here is a good article that tells the story of Huli huli Chicken

It's Memorial day weekend, the official opening for Grilling season. I know everyone can use a simple marinade. Huli huli chicken came to mind. The base for huli huli chicken is the marinade. Here is my version. I usually make a small batch and use it with fish, especially salmon, pork, chicken or even firm tofu. 


With requests from a couple of friends, I am making this a simplified version by using some of the "jar" products.

Kūlia's huli huli marinade

• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce or ketchup
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp crushed garlic or 3 clove (minced)
• 2 tsp crushed ginger or 2 tsp fined grated.
• Juice of a small lemon or lime (about ¼” cup)
• 1 cup shoyu
• 2 tbsp dry sherry
• lots of pepper

Directions:
Combine BBQ sauce, salt, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and lemon juice. I use Hawaiian red salt with this. It gives the marinade a smoky earthy flavor.

Add shoyu.

Add A LOT of pepper (to taste) and sherry.

Mix well. Pour in a jar and store in the fridge, used within a week. Marinade the meat overnight, fish or tofu for a couple of hours.

I also make a variation by adding:

¼ cup Indonesian sweet soy sauce

2 tbsp Korean Gochujang (Hot pepper paste) for heat

2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

This is great with pork. 


Aloha!