Description
Hawaiian Beef Skewers combine tender marinated tri-tip steak with sweet pineapple, red bell peppers, and onions, grilled to perfection and finished with a flavorful honey-ketchup glaze. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a tasty weeknight dinner, these skewers offer a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs. Tri-Tip Steak (boneless), cut into 1 1/2" chunks
- 1 Pineapple, cut into 1 1/2" chunks
- 2 Red Bell Peppers, cut into 1 1/2" chunks
- 1 Large Sweet Onion, cut into 1 1/2" chunks
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Ketchup
Garnishes
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 2 tbsp Chopped Green Onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the tri-tip steak into 1 1/2 inch cubes and place them in a large storage bag or bowl convenient for marinating.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined. Reserve about one third of this marinade in the refrigerator to use later for basting.
- Marinate the Steak: Pour the remaining marinade over the steak cubes and toss to coat all pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate the steak to marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to develop flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare Vegetables and Pineapple: Cut the pineapple, red bell peppers, and sweet onion into 1 1/2 inch chunks. These will be skewered alongside the steak.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the skewers with a pattern of 3 pieces of steak, 2 pieces of pineapple, red bell pepper, and onion to create balanced and colorful kabobs.
- Prepare the Basting Sauce: Take the reserved marinade from the fridge and whisk in the honey and ketchup to create a delicious glaze for the grilling process.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, ensuring it is hot before placing skewers on it to achieve a good sear and prevent sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill, turning every 2 to 3 minutes to cook all sides evenly. Continue grilling for a total of about 15 minutes. During the last few turns, baste the skewers with the honey-ketchup glaze to add extra flavor and caramelization.
- Check for Doneness: The skewers are ready when they develop nice char marks and the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145-150°F for medium doneness. Cook longer if you prefer the meat more well done.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the steak overnight intensifies the flavor and ensures tenderness.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the marinade.
- Turn the skewers regularly on the grill to avoid burning and to cook evenly.
- Check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- These skewers pair well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
