Aloha Subs: A Sweet and Savory Tropical Twist on a Classic Sandwich

If you love the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little spice, then you’re going to fall in love with these Aloha Subs! This sandwich is a delicious fusion of tropical flavors, featuring juicy pineapple, tender meatballs, a zesty pineapple sauce, and a crisp snow pea slaw—all wrapped up in a toasted hoagie roll. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun new sandwich to impress at your next cookout, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love Aloha Subs

• Bursting with Flavor – From the tangy-sweet pineapple sauce to the spicy aioli, every bite is a delight.
• Easy to Make – Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this recipe a breeze.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make the components ahead of time and assemble when ready to eat.
• A Crowd-Pleaser – The perfect combination of textures and flavors ensures everyone will love it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/3 cup dry minced onion
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Aloha Pineapple Sauce:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha or Asian hot chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Sweet Chili Aioli:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Asian/Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (like Mae Ploy)
• A few dashes of Sriracha or Asian hot chili sauce

For the Snow Pea Slaw:

• 12 snow peas, ends trimmed, thinly sliced and cut in half
• 1 1/2 cups chopped cabbage
• 1 small carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced and cut in half
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwich Assembly:

• 4-6 hoagie/sub rolls (depending on size)
• 4 pineapple rings, cut in half lengthwise
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

How to Make Aloha Subs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until well combined.
4. Divide into 16 equal meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, until cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Snow Pea Slaw

1. While the meatballs are baking, combine all the slaw ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Chili Aioli

1. Whisk all aioli ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Lightly brush onto both sides of the hoagie rolls.
3. Place a single layer of pineapple slices on the bottom half of each roll.

Step 4: Make the Aloha Pineapple Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon olive or coconut oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
3. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
5. Once thickened, add the baked meatballs and reduce heat to medium-low.
6. Simmer for 5 minutes, spooning sauce over meatballs.

Step 5: Assemble the Subs

1. Place 3-4 meatballs on each pineapple-lined roll.
2. Sprinkle with shredded pepper jack cheese.
3. Broil for 1-2 minutes until buns are golden and cheese is melted.
4. Top with Snow Pea Slaw and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Aloha Subs

• Use Fresh Pineapple – Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Adjust Spice to Taste – Add more or less Sriracha depending on your heat preference.
• Make Ahead – The slaw, sauce, and meatballs can be made ahead for easy assembly.
• Try Different Proteins – Swap beef for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative.

Perfect Pairings

These Aloha Subs pair beautifully with:

• A side of crispy sweet potato fries
• A refreshing tropical fruit salad
• A chilled pineapple lemonade or coconut water

Final Thoughts

Aloha Subs bring the flavors of the islands straight to your kitchen with their irresistible mix of sweet, savory, and spicy elements. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dinner or a backyard barbecue, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them today and transport your taste buds to paradise!