Hawaiian grilled beef skewers are a tropical twist on a backyard favorite that’s perfect for summer grilling. Juicy chunks of tri-tip steak are paired with sweet pineapple, vibrant red bell peppers, and tender onions—each bite exploding with island-inspired flavor. These skewers are marinated in a bold, sweet-savory sauce that soaks into every piece of meat, ensuring maximum taste. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or simply craving something extraordinary for dinner, this Hawaiian grilled beef skewers recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the flavors of the islands!
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Grilled Beef Skewers Recipe
This recipe is all about balance—savory steak, sweet pineapple, and the umami punch of soy and garlic. It’s not just delicious; it’s also visually stunning and super easy to prepare. Marinating the beef infuses it with deep flavor, while the grill adds that perfect smoky char. Great for parties or weeknight dinners, these skewers bring a taste of Hawaii straight to your plate. Plus, it’s customizable to fit your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs tri-tip steak, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced into 1 ½-inch chunks
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step: How to Make Hawaiian Grilled Beef Skewers
- Cut the tri-tip steak into 1 ½-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl or resealable bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Reserve one-third of this mixture in the refrigerator for later.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the beef cubes, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Chop the pineapple, red bell peppers, and sweet onion into similar-sized 1 ½-inch pieces.
- Thread the skewers alternately with steak, pineapple, red pepper, and onion.
- Mix the reserved marinade with honey and ketchup to make a glaze.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the skewers, turning every 2–3 minutes, for about 15 minutes total. During the last few turns, baste the skewers with the glaze.
- Once the meat reaches 145–150°F for medium doneness, remove from the grill.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Soak wooden skewers in water for several hours to prevent them from burning.
- For best results, marinate the beef overnight.
- Cut all ingredients into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the grill—sugar in the marinade can cause flare-ups.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked beef.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein Options: Swap tri-tip for sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken breast.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit beef and use tofu or tempeh, marinated the same way.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the marinade.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Fruity Twist: Add mango or peach chunks for a tropical upgrade.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Uncooked, marinated beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers on a grill pan or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 302 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 589mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 21g
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- Iron: 2mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over a bed of jasmine rice or coconut rice.
- Pair with a tropical salad or coleslaw.
- Accompany with grilled corn on the cob or sweet potato fries.
- Add a fruity mocktail or mai tai for the ultimate island vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Grilled Beef Skewers
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes! Sirloin or ribeye are excellent alternatives that grill beautifully.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? Absolutely. Marinate the meat a day in advance and assemble the skewers just before grilling.
Do I need a grill for this recipe? Not necessarily. A grill pan or broiler works in a pinch.
What’s the best way to prevent skewers from burning? Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes or use metal ones.
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Definitely! The sweet and savory flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.
Conclusion
Thanks so much for stopping by to try this Hawaiian Grilled Beef Skewers recipe! It’s one of my personal favorites—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The marinade brings a mouthwatering depth to the beef, while the grilled pineapple adds that sweet tropical touch. I hope this dish brings a bit of island sunshine to your table. Happy grilling, and thanks for being part of our food-loving community!
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Hawaiian Grilled Beef Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hawaiian Grilled Beef Skewers combine juicy steak, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies all grilled to perfection with a bold tropical marinade. This easy and flavor-packed recipe is a summer BBQ favorite. Make it for your next cookout and wow everyone at the table!
Ingredients
2 lbs tri-tip steak, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
1 pineapple, cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
1 large sweet onion, cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
2 tbsp green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the tri-tip steak into 1 ½-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl or resealable bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Reserve one-third of this mixture in the refrigerator for later.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the beef cubes, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Chop the pineapple, red bell peppers, and sweet onion into similar-sized 1 ½-inch pieces.
- Thread the skewers alternately with steak, pineapple, red pepper, and onion.
- Mix the reserved marinade with honey and ketchup to make a glaze.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the skewers, turning every 2–3 minutes, for about 15 minutes total. During the last few turns, baste the skewers with the glaze.
- Once the meat reaches 145–150°F for medium doneness, remove from the grill.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Use metal skewers to avoid burning altogether.
Let steak marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 302
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 25g