Hawaiian Steak Pineapple Skewers

These Hawaiian steak kebabs bring smoky-sweet tropical flavor to any backyard barbecue. Juicy sirloin steak soaks up a vibrant orange-soy marinade while fresh pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and red onion roast to caramelized perfection on the grill. This recipe turns weeknight grilling into a mini escape and is always the most requested dish at my summer gatherings.

One rainy weekend I made these indoors using a grill pan and the taste instantly transported us to a sunny day It became our new summer kick off meal

Ingredients

• Orange juice: brings brightness and helps tenderize the steak choose freshly squeezed for best taste
• Low sodium soy sauce: balances the sweet and salty notes opt for high quality brands for deeper umami
• Light brown sugar: adds a subtle caramel flavor firmly pack it so you get the right sweetness
• Minced garlic: infuses the marinade with depth fresher cloves always yield bolder flavor
• Sirloin steak: keeps things juicy and tender choose well marbled cuts and cube evenly for uniform grilling
• Red and green bell peppers: add crunch and color look for firm glossy peppers
• Fresh pineapple: delivers real tropical zing cut into thick even chunks for best texture and flavor
• Red onion: mellows on the grill buy onions with glossy skin and avoid soft spots
• Sliced green onion: brings a final hit of freshness only garnish right before serving for best color
• Metal or soaked wood skewers: hold everything together soak wood skewers in water so they do not burn

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

Whisk together orange juice soy sauce brown sugar and minced garlic in a large bowl until fully combined This mixture should look glossy and smell bright

Marinate the Steak:

Add steak cubes and toss to coat every piece really well Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to eight hours for maximum flavor

Soak Skewers if Needed:

If using wood skewers submerge them in water for thirty minutes otherwise skip this step Metal skewers are ready to go

Assemble the Kebabs:

Thread steak bell peppers pineapple and red onion onto the skewers Alternate ingredients for both flavor and a colorful look I always start and end with a piece of steak for extra color

Grill the Kebabs:

Heat your grill to medium high Clean and oil the grates then lay kebabs on cool side first Let them sear without moving for about three minutes then turn every couple of minutes brushing with reserved marinade for more flavor Continue for a total of eight to ten minutes or until steak hits your preferred doneness

Rest and Garnish:

Slide the finished kebabs to a platter and let them rest for a couple of minutes Sprinkle with sliced green onion and serve hot

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There is something about the caramelized bits of pineapple that always reminds me of family cookouts We would race to grab the skewers with the most charred pieces my favorite was saving the last juicy chunk for myself

Storage Tips

Leftover kebabs keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days I like to remove everything from the skewers before storing to make reheating safer and easier These reheat best in a skillet over medium low heat or in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for ten minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find sirloin steak try using ribeye or even chicken breast for a lighter bite No fresh pineapple Use canned chunks packed in juice just drain before using For a gluten free version swap out the soy sauce for tamari

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed rice or coconut rice for a complete meal I sometimes add a quick cucumber salad on the side to keep things fresh For parties arrange the kebabs over a bed of greens or on a large platter for a stunning buffet centerpiece

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Cultural Context

Hawaiian style grilling celebrates the sweet and savory balance found in island cuisine Marinating meats in tropical flavors is a classic approach and grilling over charcoal gives that essential smoky undertone This dish is inspired by the fusion of Asian and Polynesian flavors that make Hawaiian fare so unique

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should the steak marinate for best flavor?

Marinate the steak for at least 1 hour, but marinating up to 8 hours will yield deeper flavor and tenderness.

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin is ideal, but other tender cuts such as ribeye or strip steak may also be used for these kebabs.

→ Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.

→ Is it possible to cook these kebabs indoors?

They can be cooked on a grill pan or broiler indoors if an outdoor grill is unavailable. Rotate for even cooking.

→ What sides pair well with these kebabs?

Steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a light tropical salad complement the sweet and savory flavors well.