Hawaiian Steak Kabobs Recipe

Escape to the tropics right in your backyard with these mouthwatering Hawaiian Steak Kabobs! Juicy chunks of marinated sirloin, sweet bell peppers, and fresh pineapple come together in a simple yet spectacular dish that brings island flavors to your dinner table in just 40 minutes. Perfect for summer grilling or as a colorful, flavorful solution for busy weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have these kabobs ready to grill in no time.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The savory marinated steak pairs beautifully with sweet pineapple and peppers for a taste that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
• Versatile: Great for casual family dinners, impressive enough for guests, and adaptable for various dietary preferences.
• Complete Meal on a Stick: Protein, vegetables, and fruit all in one convenient package – no need for complicated side dishes!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Top Sirloin Steak: The star of the show – choose a good quality cut with nice marbling for tenderness and flavor. The steak takes on the marinade beautifully while maintaining its hearty texture.
• Coconut Aminos: Provides a sweet-savory flavor with less sodium than traditional soy sauce. If you don’t have dietary restrictions, regular soy sauce works perfectly too.
• Olive Oil: Helps keep the meat juicy and tender while creating a flavorful base for the marinade. The oil also helps the vegetables char nicely on the grill.
• Sweet Mini Peppers: These colorful peppers add brightness, sweetness, and a wonderful texture contrast. Their smaller size makes them perfect for threading onto skewers.
• Fresh Pineapple: The signature tropical element that makes these kabobs “Hawaiian.” The natural sugars caramelize beautifully on the grill, creating an irresistible flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.

Variations

Protein Options

Swap the steak for chicken thighs, shrimp, or firm tofu for different flavor profiles. Each protein will absorb the marinade differently, so adjust your grilling time accordingly.

Vegetable Additions

Add red onion chunks, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skewers for extra variety and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes make a lovely addition too, bursting with juicy sweetness when grilled.

Marinade Twists

Enhance the marinade with minced garlic, ginger, a splash of pineapple juice, or a tablespoon of honey for additional depth. A tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes will add welcome heat for spice lovers.

Serving Style

Skip the skewers and make a sheet pan version in the oven, or turn this into a fantastic stir-fry served over rice for a complete meal with minimal effort.

How to Make Hawaiian Steak Kabobs

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Steak

Cut your sirloin into uniform 1¼-1½ inch cubes, keeping sizes consistent for even cooking. Combine the steak with coconut aminos (or soy sauce) and olive oil in a zip-top bag, massaging to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, flipping occasionally so all pieces absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit

While the steak marinates, trim the tops from the mini peppers and remove seeds, then cut into chunks similar in size to your steak pieces. Prepare the pineapple by removing the tough outer skin and core, then cutting the flesh into substantial chunks that will hold up on the skewer.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

Thread alternating pieces of marinated steak, colorful peppers, and juicy pineapple onto your skewers, leaving a little space between items for even cooking. Place completed skewers on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Final Seasoning

Drizzle any remaining marinade over the assembled kabobs, ensuring the vegetables get coated too. Season everything with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place kabobs on the grill surface with space between them for even cooking. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on your desired steak doneness and how charred you like your vegetables and pineapple.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Sizing: Cut all ingredients to similar sizes for consistent cooking. Smaller pieces cook faster, while larger chunks provide more juiciness.
• Skewer Strategy: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning. Metal skewers eliminate this worry and conduct heat for more even cooking.
• Don’t Rush the Marinade: While 30 minutes works in a pinch, letting the steak marinate for 2-4 hours will significantly enhance the flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours, as the meat can become mushy.
• Hot Grill Surface: Make sure your grill is properly preheated before adding the kabobs. This ensures a nice sear on the steak and beautiful caramelization on the pineapple.
• Rest Time: Let the kabobs rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute through the meat for maximum tenderness.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these vibrant kabobs over a bed of coconut rice or with a side of grilled plantains for a complete tropical-themed meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.

Sauce Options

A drizzle of teriyaki glaze or a side of pineapple salsa takes these kabobs to the next level. For heat lovers, a sriracha mayo dipping sauce is a wonderful complement.

Presentation

Remove the cooked ingredients from the skewers and serve over rice for a more formal plating, or leave them on the skewers for a fun, casual presentation that’s perfect for backyard gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Ahead

Marinate the meat and chop all vegetables and pineapple up to 24 hours ahead. Store prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator. Assemble skewers just before grilling for the freshest results.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cooked kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best quality, remove the ingredients from the skewers before storing.

Freezing

While you can freeze the marinated uncooked steak separately, the assembled kabobs don’t freeze well due to the different textures of the ingredients. The peppers and pineapple would become mushy when thawed.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a covered skillet with a splash of water, or briefly in the microwave at 70% power to prevent the meat from becoming tough. The pineapple may release more juice when reheated, which adds flavor to the other ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for these kabobs?
Absolutely! Ribeye and tenderloin work beautifully but tend to be more expensive. Chuck or sirloin tip can be used for a budget option, though they’ll need a longer marinade time (at least 2 hours) to tenderize properly. Regardless of cut, remember that uniform sizing is key for even cooking.

Is there a way to make these kabobs without a grill?
Definitely! You can cook these kabobs under a broiler set to high for about 3-4 minutes per side, or in a 425°F oven for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through. A cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop is another excellent alternative that will give you those lovely grill marks.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture, canned pineapple chunks (drained well) can work in a pinch. Choose pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup, and pat the chunks dry before skewering to prevent excessive dripping on the grill.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to my preferred doneness?
For medium-rare, the steak should feel slightly firm but still have some give when pressed, reaching about 130-135°F internally. Medium will feel more firm and reach 135-145°F. Remember that the steak will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the grill, so you may want to remove it just before it reaches your target temperature.

Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian Steak Kabobs are summer on a stick – a perfect blend of savory and sweet that brings tropical vibes to any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or hosting a backyard gathering, these vibrant, flavor-packed skewers are sure to impress. The beauty lies in their simplicity and the way each ingredient enhances the others. Give them a try next time you’re craving something a little special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you!

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