Craving a delicious and easy weeknight meal that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Hawaii? Look no further! This Hawaiian BBQ beef recipe is bursting with flavour, incredibly tender, and surprisingly quick to make. It's perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or impressing your friends with a taste of the islands. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this easy recipe. It's one of those best recipes that's sure to become a new family favourite!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Marinate the Beef:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the beef cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours for maximum flavour. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the beef will be!
Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it's browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness (about 5-7 minutes for medium-rare). Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl into the skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the thickened sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favourite vegetables. This delicious dish is a great quick dinner idea perfect for a healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Hawaiian BBQ Beef:
- For extra tender beef: Use a meat tenderizer before marinating.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet marinade, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey.
- Add some veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete and healthy meal.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Hawaiian BBQ Beef: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the marinade.
- Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Beef: Marinate the beef as directed, then thread onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Beef: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
Enjoy your delicious and easy Hawaiian BBQ Beef! This recipe is a testament to how simple, quick, and flavorful homemade cooking can be. It's a true taste of paradise, readily available in your own kitchen.