Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Pork Strips: Sweet & Sticky Island Flavor

There is something undeniably magical about the combination of savory pork and sweet, acidic pineapple that captures the essence of island cooking. These Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Pork Strips are designed to bring that Aloha spirit directly to your backyard. Unlike traditional pulled pork, slicing the meat into strips allows for a higher surface area, meaning more room for the rub to penetrate and more opportunity for that delicious char to develop on the Arteflame grill. The high heat of the center grate sears the juices in, while the flat top cooktop is perfect for glazing the strips without causing flare-ups that burn the sugar. Whether you are hosting a summer luau or just looking for a weeknight dinner that breaks the monotony, this recipe delivers a punch of umami, sweetness, and smokiness that resonates with every bite.

Ingredients

The Meat & Rub

• 2 lbs Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt), sliced into 1/2 inch strips
• 1 tbsp Sea Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika

The Hawaiian Glaze

• 1 cup Pineapple Juice
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water for thickening)
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Season the Pork

1. Begin by slicing your pork shoulder into strips approximately 1/2 inch thick. This thickness ensures they cook quickly but remain juicy.
2. In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Pat the pork strips dry with a paper towel and generously coat them with the dry rub mixture. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the spices to adhere.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

1. While the meat rests, prepare your sauce. In a saucepan (which can be placed directly on the Arteflame flat top later), combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
2. Whisk firmly to ensure the brown sugar dissolves completely. Set the cornstarch slurry aside for the grilling phase.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

1. Build a medium-sized fire in your Arteflame grill. You want the center grill grate to be hot (around 450°F+) for searing, and the flat cooktop griddle to be medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the cooktop surface with a high-smoke point oil like avocado or vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Pork Strips

1. Place the pork strips onto the flat cooktop surface. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
2. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. You are looking for a golden-brown crust to form. Because the strips are thin, they will cook relatively fast.
3. Move the strips closer to the center grate for a minute if you want a bit of wood-fired char on the edges.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

1. Place your saucepan of glaze on the flat top to heat up. Once simmering, whisk in the cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
2. Brush the thickened glaze generously over the pork strips during the last minute of cooking, flipping them once to caramelize the sugars without burning them.
3. Remove from the grill, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Tips

To truly master these Hawaiian BBQ Pork Strips, temperature control and meat selection are paramount. When choosing your pork shoulder, look for a piece with nice marbling; the fat renders down on the Arteflame, keeping the strips moist despite the high heat. If you slice the meat against the grain, the final bite will be much more tender. When grilling with sugary glazes, timing is everything. Sugar burns at 265°F (130°C), so do not apply the glaze until the very end of the cooking process. The Arteflame’s flat top is particularly forgiving here compared to open grates, as it prevents the glaze from dripping into the fire and causing acrid smoke, but you still need to be vigilant. Finally, let the meat rest for just a few minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.

Variations

While the classic pineapple-soy profile is a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to different dietary preferences or flavor palettes. You can easily swap the protein or adjust the heat levels to suit your guests. Here are a few ways to mix things up while keeping that island vibe:

• Spicy Pele Pork: Add a tablespoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick that balances the sweet pineapple.
• Hawaiian Chicken: Swap the pork shoulder for boneless, skinless chicken thighs; they remain juicy and pair perfectly with the glaze.
• Pacific Skewers: Instead of strips, cube the pork and alternate on skewers with chunks of fresh pineapple and red onion.
• Paleo Friendly: Substitute the brown sugar with honey or coconut aminos and skip the cornstarch for a thinner, cleaner sauce.
• Beef Teriyaki Style: Use flank steak sliced across the grain for a beefier take on this tropical classic.

Best pairings

No Hawaiian BBQ plate is complete without the proper sides to balance the rich, sticky sweetness of the pork. The traditional "plate lunch" approach is the best way to go here. A scoop of sticky white rice is essential as it acts as a sponge for any extra sauce. For a creamy contrast, serve this alongside a scoop of authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad—heavy on the mayo with plenty of grated carrot and onion. If you want something lighter to cut through the richness, a crisp Asian slaw with a sesame vinaigrette or simple grilled pineapple rings (done right on the Arteflame alongside the pork) works beautifully. For drinks, nothing beats a cold lager, a Mai Tai, or fresh coconut water to wash down the savory goodness.

Conclusion

These Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Pork Strips offer more than just a meal; they offer an experience of flavor that transports you to the sandy shores of the islands. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the Arteflame grill enhances the natural flavors through perfect searing and caramelization. The contrast between the charred, savory edges and the sweet, sticky glaze creates a complex taste profile that is impossible to resist. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend grilling warrior, this dish is sure to become a regular rotation in your outdoor cooking repertoire. Fire up the grill, gather your friends, and enjoy the taste of Aloha right at home.