Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce Recipe

Wingstop’s Hawaiian Sauce is a fan favorite for those who love a sweet, tangy, and tropical-style wing sauce without the overwhelming heat. It’s a sticky, glossy glaze with hints of pineapple, ginger, and garlic—perfect for coating crispy wings, grilled chicken or even used as a dip. This homemade version captures that tropical flavor balance while letting you control the sweetness and spice.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Sweet and savory blend – Combines pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic for that signature tropical flavor.
• No artificial ingredients – You get a fresher, more natural version of a fast-food classic at home.
• Quick to prepare – The sauce comes together in under 15 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
• Versatile and adaptable – Works on wings, ribs, meatballs, or even vegetables as a glaze or stir-fry sauce.
• Perfect for parties or meal prep – Make it in batches and store it for later use on a variety of dishes.

What Is Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce?

Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce is a sticky, sweet, and mildly tangy glaze inspired by tropical island flavors. It’s made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of ginger—perfectly balanced to coat wings with a glossy finish and deliver flavor in every bite.

Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup of pineapple juice (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (adds mild acidity)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (for slight tang and color)
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)

Other Recipes

• Copycat Whataburger Creamy Pepper Sauce
• Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Sauce
• Raising Cane’s Sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a small saucepan, add pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. This mixture is the flavor foundation of your sauce.

Step 2: Simmer and Develop Flavor

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. Remove from heat once the desired thickness is reached.

Step 4: Cool and Use or Store

Let the sauce cool for 5–10 minutes before using. Toss it with cooked wings or pour it into a jar for later. The sauce will thicken slightly more as it cools.

What to Serve with Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce

• Crispy fried or baked wings – The classic use that never disappoints.
• Grilled chicken thighs or skewers – The sauce doubles as a glaze or marinade.
• Stir-fried veggies – Add sweet and savory depth to broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
• Pineapple fried rice – Drizzle it in for an island-inspired finish.
• Dipping sauce for spring rolls adds a tropical twist to your favorite appetizers.

Expert Tips for Mastering Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce

• Simmer gently, not boil – High heat can burn the sugars and alter the flavor.
• Adjust sweetness to taste – Add more or less honey based on your preference.
• Add heat if desired – A pinch of chili flakes or sriracha gives it a spicy kick.
• Make it thicker for dipping – Use slightly more cornstarch for a thicker, clingier texture.
• Double the batch for storage – This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

Variations of Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce

• Spicy Hawaiian twist – Add 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce or crushed red pepper for heat.
• Garlic lovers’ version – Use roasted garlic or increase the amount for a bolder flavor.
• Citrus pineapple version – Add a splash of orange juice or zest for extra brightness.
• Low-sugar version – Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Thicker BBQ-style version – Mix in a bit of BBQ sauce to deepen the flavor and create a hybrid glaze.

How to Store Leftover Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce?

Once cooled, store the sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Shake or stir well before each use, especially if any ingredients settle at the bottom.

How to Reheat Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce Leftovers?

• Stovetop method – Reheat in a small saucepan over low heat until warm, stirring frequently.
• Microwave method – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Add water if it’s too thick – If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of water when reheating to loosen it up.

Nutritional Value (per 2 tbsp serving)

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

FAQs

What is Wingstop Hawaiian sauce made of?

Wingstop Hawaiian sauce is made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. It combines sweet, savory, and tangy elements to create a tropical-style glaze that’s perfect for wings, grilled meats, and more.

Is Wingstop Hawaiian sauce spicy or mild?

Wingstop Hawaiian sauce is considered mild. It has a sweet and tangy profile with little to no heat. For a spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce to your homemade version.

How do I thicken homemade Hawaiian sauce without changing the flavor?

Use a cornstarch slurry made by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add it slowly to the simmering sauce while stirring and cook until it thickens. This method keeps the flavor intact while giving the sauce a glossy finish.

Can I use Wingstop Hawaiian sauce as a marinade?

Yes, this sauce works well as a marinade. Its combination of acidity and sweetness helps tenderize meat while adding flavor. Use it to marinate chicken, pork, or tofu for 1 to 2 hours before grilling or baking.

Final Words

This homemade version of Wingstop’s Hawaiian Sauce brings all the tropical sweetness and tang you love right to your kitchen. It’s easy, quick, and versatile enough to use on everything from wings to grilled meats. Once you try it, you might never go back to bottled sauces again.

Print