My Hawaiian Friend Showed Me This Recipe — It’s Been a House Favorite Ever Since!
Some of the best recipes come not from cookbooks, but from the heart—and from friends who share their traditions. A few years ago, my Hawaiian friend invited me over for dinner and introduced me to this simple, soul-satisfying dish. I was hooked from the first bite.
Since then, it’s become a regular in our home—easy to make, packed with flavor, and full of island vibes. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to shake up your weekly dinner routine, this Hawaiian-inspired recipe is sure to win you over too.
🌺 Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken (Island Favorite!)
Shoyu Chicken is a beloved dish in Hawaii, often served at potlucks, family dinners, and even food trucks across the islands. It’s sweet, savory, garlicky, and incredibly tender thanks to a slow simmer in a soy-based sauce. The name “shoyu” simply means soy sauce in Japanese, a staple in many Hawaiian recipes due to the islands’ rich cultural mix.
🍗 Ingredients:
3–4 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless if preferred)
1 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if you prefer)
1 cup water
¾ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional but flavorful)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Steamed white rice, for serving
🥣 Instructions:
Make the sauce:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add the chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in the pot, making sure they’re mostly submerged in the liquid.
Simmer:
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer for 30–40 minutes, turning the chicken once or twice.
Uncover and reduce (optional):
For a thicker glaze, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly.
Serve:
Spoon the chicken over a bed of steamed white rice and drizzle with some of the rich sauce. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
🍍 Tips & Add-Ins:
Add a tropical twist by tossing in some fresh pineapple chunks during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
ADVERTISEMENT
