Hawaiian-Style Plate Lunch with Firecracker Farm Hot Salt

Hawaiian-Style Plate Lunch

Teriyaki chicken, steamed rice, creamy mac salad, and a cool cucumber salad — finished with Firecracker Farm Hot Salt for a sweet, salty, and spicy Hawaiian-style plate lunch.

Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Firecracker Farm Hot Salt, to taste
• Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions:

1. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours.
3. Grill or sear the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely caramelized.
4. Simmer the remaining marinade separately for several minutes, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
5. Brush the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and finish with a light sprinkle of Firecracker Farm Hot Salt.
6. Slice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Steamed Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white rice
• 2½ cups water

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear.
2. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions. Keep covered until ready to serve.

Hawaiian-Style Mac Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1½ cups mayonnaise
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ cup finely grated carrot
• ¼ cup finely grated onion
• ¼ cup finely diced celery
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Firecracker Farm Hot Salt

Directions:

1. Cook the macaroni slightly past al dente — the softer texture is traditional for Hawaiian-style mac salad.
2. Drain and let cool slightly.
3. Mix mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, and sugar.
4. Fold in the carrot, onion, and celery.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a little Firecracker Farm Hot Salt.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1–2 tsp Firecracker Farm Hot Salt
• Sesame seeds
• Green onion

Directions:

1. Toss the cucumbers and red onion together.
2. Whisk the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Pour over the cucumbers and toss.
4. Finish with Firecracker Farm Hot Salt and sesame seeds.
5. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Build the Plate

Scoop steamed white rice onto one side of the plate, add a generous portion of teriyaki chicken, a scoop of mac salad, and a serving of cucumber salad.

Finish the chicken and cucumber salad with Firecracker Farm Hot Salt for a sweet, salty, and spicy Hawaiian-style plate lunch.

About the Author Dave Sands

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Dave brings his passion for food and culinary experience as host of The Food Origins Podcast (Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast - Also on 17 other listening platforms including Google, Stitcher and many others.)

Dave was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. Growing up Japanese and Caucasian , Dave was exposed to many cultures and cuisines immediately. Watching and learning from his late Mother set the seeds of his pure joy of cooking. As a graduate of the City College of San Francisco’s Hotel & Restaurant program, Dave cooked professionally all over the San Francisco Bay Area for five years working in numerous restaurants, catering and corporate food services. With some unfortunate burn out, Dave went on work as a service advisor for a high end car dealer. While working there, he transitioned to one of his dream jobs as a San Francisco Police Officer. After 15 years in Law Enforcement, injuries caused Dave to retire. Cooking became my therapy after my Mother passed away. Dave always cooked throughout his careers, sharing many dishes to family , friends and coworkers. Dave has been fortunate to have met a wide range of people from many aspects of life and can’t wait share their food origin stories!

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