Craving a restaurant-quality steak dinner without the restaurant prices? Then look no further! This recipe recreates the incredible Hawaiian Ribeye from the famous Houston's restaurant, bringing the delicious flavors of the islands right to your kitchen. It's a surprisingly easy recipe, perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat when you want to impress yourself and your loved ones with a truly delicious and healthy meal. Get ready to experience tender, flavorful ribeye with a sweet and savory glaze that will leave you wanting more. This quick dinner idea is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 (12-ounce) ribeye steaks, about 1-inch thick
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh pineapple chunks and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This is where the magic happens! The marinade is the key to that incredible Houston's flavor profile.
Step 2: Marinate the Steaks
Place the ribeye steaks in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. The longer they marinate, the more intensely flavorful your steaks will be.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to carefully flip the steaks.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and baste the steaks with the glaze for 1-2 minutes per side, allowing it to caramelize and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately. This is a truly delicious dish; enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Hawaiian Ribeye:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the steaks without overcrowding. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent proper searing.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked steaks every time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Medium-rare is typically around 130-135°F.
- Let the steaks rest: Resist the urge to cut into the steaks immediately after cooking. Allowing them to rest is crucial for retaining their juices and achieving maximum tenderness.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a spicier kick.
- Citrus twist: Add a tablespoon of lime juice to the marinade for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
- Herb infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the marinade for an added layer of complexity.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests with a restaurant-worthy meal. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the juicy tenderness of the ribeye, makes this a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy the taste of paradise!