How To Make Pineapple BBQ Sauce

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This easy pineapple bbq sauce recipe will add a Hawaiian or tropical flavor to your next cookout. Sweet, fruity, and tangy, you’ll only need 5 ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare it right on the stovetop. 

Jump to:

• Fresh Pineapple Recipes
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Flavorful Additions
• How To Use Pineapple BBQ Sauce
• How To Store Homemade Pineapple BBQ Sauce
• Step By Step Photos and Directions 
• Easy Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe

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Ingredients and Substitutions

Fresh Pineapple 

I love to use fresh pineapple chunks when they are in season for this recipe.  Frozen or canned pineapples can be used as a substitute. 

If you want to use pineapple juice, skip the blending and use extra cornstarch to thicken up the sauce, when reducing it on the stovetop.

Want to know more about fresh pineapples? Picking, cutting, and how long they last in the fridge. 

Ketchup

Like most homemade bbq sauce recipes a tomato base adds a bold tangy flavor. Store bought ketchup consists of tomato, vinegar, sugar, and spices, all the ingredients that add great flavor to the sauce. 

Use your favorite ketchup brand or bottled chili sauce for an extra kick. Substitute thinned out tomato paste or tomato jam.  

Brown Sugar 

I love my bbq sauce sweet, so add this ingredient to taste. If you like a lighter colored sauce use light brown sugar. I prefer a darker sauce, I use regular brown sugar or dark brown sugar most times.  Substitute honey or maple syrup if you prefer. 

For a darker color with less sweetness add a touch of molasses. 

Soy Sauce 

To add a nice savory umami note and color soy sauce is a great addition. Substitute tamari, coconut aminos, or a few dashes of worcestershire sauce if you prefer. 

Cornstarch 

For a nice thick and velvety sauce add cornstarch to thicken it. Substitute flour, arrowroot powder, potato starch, or rice flour.

Flavorful Additions

Fresh Ginger, Garlic, and Onion- These aromatics will add an amazing depth of flavor, substitute powdered in a pinch. 

Hot Sauce or Hot Peppers - For extra heat or spiciness, pour your favorite hot sauce for a hint of spice, chili peppers, or habanero if you like more heat. 

Vinegar - For an extra tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness add a touch of apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or your vinegar of choice. 

Smoked Paprika - A sprinkle of quality smoked paprika will give a nice smoky background flavor to your sauce.

Bourbon, Whiskey, or Rum - A few cap fulls of liquor will add a next level flavor and aroma.  

How To Use Pineapple BBQ Sauce

Pineapple bbq sauce can be used with vegetables and meats.  

Use it as a glaze to brush on traditional grilled meats, vegetable skewers, oven-baked chicken, pork tenderloin, and meatloaf. 

Toss the sauce with deep fried or air fryer chicken wings. As a topping for your favorite burgers, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, and pizza. 

How To Store Homemade Pineapple BBQ Sauce

After making your own Hawaiian pineapple bbq sauce it can be stored in the refrigerator. In an airtight sealed container or glass jar for up to 2-3 months. For longer storage freeze it for up to 6 months. 

Step By Step Photos and Directions 

1. Grab all the prepped ingredients. Ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, fresh pineapple, and brown sugar.

2. Place into a food processor or small blender.

3. Blend or process until very smooth.

4. Pour sauce into a small saucepan.

5. Bring it to a boil then reduce on low-medium heat.

6. Let simmer for about 8-10 minutes, whisking a few times to prevent hot spots. Reduce the sauce to a thickened sauce consistency that you prefer. Enjoy.