L&L Hawaiian Bowl from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue features savory grilled teriyaki chicken atop steamed white rice, accompanied by a flavorful scoop of creamy macaroni salad, capturing the essence of authentic Hawaiian comfort food with a harmonious blend of tender, sweet, and creamy textures.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Rice cooker or pot
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
- Serving bowl or plate
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mirin (optional)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 3 cups short-grain white rice
- 4 cups water (for cooking rice)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures your grilled teriyaki chicken remains tender and juicy, while short-grain white rice is essential for achieving the authentic sticky texture characteristic of Hawaiian bowls. When preparing the teriyaki sauce, balancing soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey creates the perfect sweet-savory flavor profile, and including mirin can enhance the depth but is optional based on availability. Macaroni salad requires elbow macaroni cooked just right and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sugar and grated carrot for authenticity. Measuring ingredients accurately and using proper kitchen equipment like a grill pan and rice cooker will ensure consistent results. Your homemade L&L Hawaiian Bowl from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue copycat menu will capture the essence of authentic Hawaiian comfort food with a harmonious blend of tender, sweet, and creamy textures.
Instructions
- Cook rice in rice cooker or pot using 3 cups rice and 4 cups water.
- Boil elbow macaroni until tender; drain and cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and grated carrot for the macaroni salad.
- Mix dressing with cooled macaroni; chill until serving.
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, 1 cup water, brown sugar, honey, mirin (if using), minced garlic, and minced ginger; bring to a simmer for teriyaki sauce.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry; stir into simmering sauce to thicken.
- Marinate chicken thighs in some teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-sear marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Slice chicken into strips.
- In a serving bowl or plate, layer steamed rice, top with grilled teriyaki chicken, and drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce.
- Add a scoop of macaroni salad on the side.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The L&L Hawaiian Bowl from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue copycat menu combines grilled teriyaki chicken, steamed white rice, and creamy macaroni salad for a true taste of Hawaiian comfort food. You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer juicier, more flavorful results. When mirin is unavailable, a splash of rice vinegar and a little sugar make a good alternative to maintain the sweet and tangy profile. For macaroni salad, use elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape you have on hand, and substitute mayonnaise with a light Greek yogurt mix for a healthier twist. Cooking rice in a rice cooker ensures consistent texture, but a pot with a tight lid works well when monitored closely.
Tips
Ensure your rice is rinsed thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, resulting in fluffy, separate grains. When making the teriyaki sauce, keep the heat low after adding the cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to deeply infuse flavors, but avoid over-marinating as it can affect the meat's texture. You should let the macaroni cool completely before mixing with the dressing to maintain the salad's creamy consistency and prevent it from becoming watery.
Nutritions
The L&L Hawaiian Bowl provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, featuring protein-rich grilled teriyaki chicken sourced from boneless, skinless thighs, which supports muscle maintenance and repair. Steamed white rice offers a quick source of carbohydrates for energy, while the creamy macaroni salad adds fats primarily from mayonnaise, enhancing satiety. This meal also supplies important micronutrients such as iron and B vitamins from the chicken, along with small amounts of vitamins A and C from the grated carrot in the macaroni salad. Your choice to enjoy this dish can fuel your body with a satisfying combination of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors while meeting essential dietary needs.
Storage
Store leftover grilled teriyaki chicken and steamed rice in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the macaroni salad chilled in the refrigerator, covered tightly to retain its creamy texture and prevent odor absorption. Use within 3-4 days, reheating the chicken and rice thoroughly before serving to ensure food safety and optimal taste for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner alternative, adjusting cooking time to avoid dryness. Swap short-grain white rice with jasmine rice or brown rice to add a different texture and nutritional profile. For a vegan version, replace chicken with grilled tofu and use soy-based mayo for the macaroni salad. Consider adding pineapple chunks to the teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, tropical twist that complements the traditional flavors.
Allergies
Your L&L Hawaiian Bowl contains common allergens such as soy (from soy sauce) and eggs (in mayonnaise), which can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Milk in the macaroni salad may also pose an allergy risk for those with dairy intolerance or allergy. Always check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food allergies.
Why this recipe?
L&L Hawaiian Bowl menu from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurant is loved for its authentic blend of traditional Hawaiian flavors with fresh ingredients like marinated meats, steamed rice, and vibrant vegetables. The unique combination of sweet, savory, and tangy sauces delivers a memorable taste experience that captures the essence of island cuisine. You can recreate the bold and comforting flavors at home, making the copycat recipe a rewarding culinary project. Its signature dishes, such as the BBQ chicken and kalua pork bowls, highlight the restaurant's commitment to quality and taste.