If you’re craving a delicious and flavorful steak recipe that transports you straight to the tropics, look no further than Houston’s Hawaiian Steak! This recipe perfectly balances the savory richness of a juicy steak with the sweet, tangy notes of pineapple and a hint of soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and exotic.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a weeknight dinner, or just want to impress your family and friends with something unique, this Hawaiian steak recipe is your perfect go-to.
Houston’s Hawaiian Steak brings a taste of aloha right to your plate, combining simple ingredients with bold flavors. The marinade is the star here, infusing the steak with tropical goodness and tenderizing it for a juicy finish every time.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe and discover why it’s quickly becoming a favorite among steak lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Houston’s Hawaiian Steak is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that’s sure to please your taste buds. The marinade uses fresh pineapple juice, which not only adds a natural sweetness but also acts as a tenderizer, making your steak incredibly juicy and flavorful.
This recipe is versatile and quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekend meals. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from grilled veggies to steamed rice, making it a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and vibrant.
Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to introduce a tropical twist to your usual steak dinner, offering a burst of flavor that’s reminiscent of Hawaiian luau feasts. The balance of soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar in the marinade ensures every bite is packed with umami goodness.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin steak
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice (about 1/2 pineapple, juiced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for grilling)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Fresh pineapple slices (grilled, for serving – optional)
Equipment
- Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish (for marinating)
- Grill or grill pan
- Sharp knife (for slicing steak)
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs (for handling steak on the grill)
- Serving platter
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Marinate the steak: Place your flank or sirloin steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates or pan with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust time according to your preferred doneness. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
- Rest the steak: Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.
- Slice and serve: Slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with optional grilled pineapple slices for an authentic Hawaiian touch.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, marinate your steak overnight. If you’re short on time, even 2 hours will make a noticeable difference!”
Substitute the steak cut: While flank or sirloin steak works best due to their texture and flavor, you can also try ribeye or skirt steak for a richer taste.
Add smoky flavor: If you have a smoker or charcoal grill, cook the steak over indirect heat to infuse a subtle smoky aroma.
Make it spicier: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of Sriracha to the marinade for a fiery kick.
Vegetarian alternative: For a plant-based option, try marinating thick slices of grilled portobello mushrooms in the same marinade. They soak up flavors beautifully and offer a meaty texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Sugars | 6 g |
Sodium | 750 mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian steak pairs exceptionally well with light and fresh sides that complement its sweet and savory profile.
- Steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus.
- A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance richness.
- Traditional Hawaiian sides such as macaroni salad or coconut rice.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice and sautéed greens.
For more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, you might enjoy checking out Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
Conclusion
Houston’s Hawaiian Steak recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, tropical flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. Its perfect blend of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger creates a memorable dish that’s both tender and juicy.
Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a grill pan indoors, this recipe guarantees delicious results that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
With its easy preparation and flexible serving options, it’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the marinade and sides to make it your own.
We hope this recipe inspires you to enjoy a taste of the islands from the comfort of your home!
📖 Recipe Card: Houston's Hawaiian Steak
Description: A flavorful grilled steak marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. Perfect for a tropical twist on classic steak night.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Place flank steak in a resealable bag and pour marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove steak from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 35g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 8g
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