July is the absolute peak of summer, filled with school breaks, beach trips, family reunions, and, most importantly, backyard cookouts!

There is nothing quite like gathering your ohana around the grill on a warm afternoon.

At Tutu’s Pantry, we know that no matter where you live, summer tastes better from the islands.

If you are looking to elevate your grilling game this season, you don’t need a plane ticket to Maui.

You just need the right ingredients.

Here are 5 practical and delicious ways to bring the authentic taste of Hawaii to your summer cookouts:

1 – The Teriyaki Marinade

Teriyaki is a staple of Hawaiian plate lunches.

To make a quick, authentic marinade for your chicken or short ribs, mix equal parts soy sauce and pineapple juice, add a splash of sesame oil, minced ginger, garlic, and a dash of your favorite Tutu’s Pantry Seasonings.

Let your meat soak in this sweet and savory blend for at least four hours before hitting the grill.

The sugars will caramelize perfectly over the open flame.

2 – Glaze with Authentic Hawaiian BBQ Sauces

Skip the generic grocery store sauces.

For a true island flavor, brush your ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken with our signature BBQ sauces during the last 10 minutes of grilling.

Hawaiian BBQ sauces typically balance the tangy smokiness of traditional BBQ with the bright, tropical sweetness of island fruits, creating a sticky, mouthwatering glaze that screams summer.

3 – Sweeten Your Summer Refreshers with Island Honey

Nothing beats the summer heat like an ice-cold drink. Instead of using processed sugar or plain simple syrup, sweeten your homemade lemonades, iced teas, or tropical cocktails (like a classic Mai Tai) with Hawaiian honey.

Pro-tip: Mix equal parts warm water and honey to create a “honey syrup” that dissolves instantly into cold drinks, adding a rich, floral sweetness that regular sugar just can’t match.

4 – Spice Up Grilled Seafood with Hot Sauces

Fresh seafood and summer go hand-in-hand.

Whether you are grilling shrimp skewers or white fish tacos, give them a tropical kick with our Hawaiian Hot sauces.

The heat from our island peppers pairs beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lime, adding a vibrant, spicy finish that enhances the flavor of the seafood without overpowering it.

5 – Create a Signature Island-Style Rub

Before tossing your steaks or grilled veggies on the barbecue, coat them with a generous amount of our Hawaiian Seasonings.

A good island rub often incorporates sea salt, garlic, and a hint of sweetness.

Rubbing your ingredients before grilling helps create a beautiful, flavorful crust that locks in the juices.

Bring the Islands to Your Backyard!

Ready to fire up the grill? We want to help you make this the most delicious summer yet.

Stock up on your favorite Hot sauces, BBQ sauces, and Seasonings!