What does pulehu mean in Hawaiian?

It means “to broil” or “to grill over hot coals.” It’s more than a method — it’s a style of open-flame cooking full of smoky flavor.

Is pulehu chicken spicy?

Not usually! Traditional pulehu is savory and smoky. You can spice it up by adding Hawaiian chili peppers or hot sauce to the marinade.

What’s the difference between pulehu and huli huli chicken?

Huli huli chicken is marinated in a sweet glaze and turned repeatedly (“huli” means flip). Pulehu chicken is grilled with a simpler marinade and flipped once or twice over direct heat.

Can I make pulehu chicken indoors?

Yes! Use a hot cast iron pan or grill pan. You’ll miss the full smokiness, but the flavor still shines.

How long should I marinate pulehu chicken?

At least 4 hours . But for best results, marinate overnight .

Pulehu Chicken: The Secret to Irresistible Island Flavor 🔥

Name: Pulehu Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless); ½ cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tsp grated ginger; 2 tbsp lemon or calamansi juice; Optional: green onions, chili flakes, sesame seeds

Description

Pulehu Chicken is a Hawaiian grilling tradition that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and citrus, then grilled over an open flame, it’s a dish rooted in local backyard BBQs, family gatherings, and island-style cooking. Easy, smoky, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
½ cup soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
2 tbsp lemon or calamansi juice
Optional: green onions, chili flakes, sesame seeds

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Instructions

Make the marinade: Combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and citrus juice.
Marinate: Add chicken and refrigerate at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Preheat grill: Medium-high heat.
Grill chicken: 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Rest & serve: Let rest 5 mins. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Use kiawe wood or mesquite chips for authentic Hawaiian smoke flavor
Flip chicken only once for best char
Great with mac salad, rice, and lomi lomi tomato

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 390 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 155mg