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1946-1969 - Hawaiian community cooks and Portuguese-American barbecuers in postwar Hawaii.
Huli Huli Chicken is a celebrated Hawaiian barbecue dish developed in the mid-20th century combining sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. It features grilled chicken basted with a sauce of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, reflecting Hawaiian, Asian-Pacific, and Portuguese-American culinary influences prevalent after World War II.
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Difficulty
Medium
Prep time
15 minutes plus marinating
Cook time
30 minutes
Total time
45 minutes plus marinating
Servings
6
Region
Hawaii
Era introduced
1946-1969
Introduced by
Hawaiian community cooks and Portuguese-American barbecuers in postwar Hawaii.
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Originating in 1950s Hawaii, Huli Huli Chicken was popularized by community leaders and food vendors combining local ingredients with flavors brought by Asian-Pacific and Portuguese immigrants. The name "Huli Huli," meaning "turn turn" in Hawaiian, refers to the chicken being turned over the grill. This dish symbolizes Hawaii's multicultural culinary landscape during postwar growth and remains a popular barbecue specialty representing the fusion of diverse American food traditions.
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