Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef is a mouthwatering Hawaiian-inspired dish that features thin cuts of beef marinated in a sweet, savory, and umami-rich sauce, then grilled to perfection for a smoky char and tender bite. Bursting with bold Asian flavors and tropical flair, it’s perfect for summer grilling, casual dinners, or a backyard luau.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures the signature fusion of Hawaiian and Asian cuisines—sweet pineapple juice, salty soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame all come together in a deeply flavorful marinade. It’s easy to prep ahead, grills quickly, and works great for both casual meals and entertaining. The marinade also tenderizes the beef, making it juicy and irresistible with every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs flanken-cut beef short ribs or thinly sliced boneless beef (like chuck or ribeye)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
Optional: red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat

Directions

Make the marinade: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.
Marinate the beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Grill the beef: Remove beef from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with additional sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or Asian slaw.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Grill Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Variations

Chicken or Pork Version: Use thinly sliced boneless chicken thighs or pork shoulder instead of beef.
Spicy Twist: Add Korean gochujang or Sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Oven-Broiled: No grill? Broil on a foil-lined baking sheet 4–5 inches from the heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
Teriyaki Style: Replace pineapple juice with mirin for a more traditional teriyaki flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts. You can also freeze the uncooked marinated beef for up to 1 month—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best?

Flanken-cut short ribs are traditional, but any thin-sliced, marbled beef like ribeye, chuck, or skirt steak works well.

Can I marinate it too long?

Marinate up to 24 hours. Beyond that, the meat can become overly soft due to the pineapple juice enzymes.

Can I cook this indoors?

Yes, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet for a nice sear.

Does it taste sweet?

Yes, the pineapple juice and brown sugar add sweetness, balanced by soy sauce and garlic.

Can I reuse the marinade?

No, discard used marinade or boil it for several minutes before using as a sauce.

What should I serve with it?

Steamed rice, grilled vegetables, Asian slaw, or even lettuce wraps.

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, canned 100% pineapple juice works well.

What makes this “Maui style”?

The combination of Asian-inspired ingredients with sweet tropical flavors like pineapple is typical of Hawaiian BBQ dishes.

How thin should I slice the beef?

About 1/4 inch thick ensures quick cooking and maximum marinade absorption.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, marinate and freeze in portions for a quick, flavorful meal anytime.

Conclusion

Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the tropical warmth of Hawaii to your dinner table. With its balance of sweet and savory notes and irresistible grilled char, it’s a perfect main for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or festive gatherings. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy the aloha flavor.

Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef

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Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef features tender, marinated slices of beef grilled to smoky perfection in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions—perfect for cookouts or family dinners.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (includes marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili paste if using. Whisk until sugar is dissolved.
Place sliced beef in a large resealable bag or dish. Pour marinade over the beef and mix well to coat.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove beef from marinade and let excess drip off. Grill slices for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve hot with rice, noodles, or grilled vegetables.

Notes

Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and absorbs flavor better—ask your butcher to slice for you.
Do not overcook to keep the beef tender and juicy.
Pineapple juice acts as a natural tenderizer—do not marinate too long if using very thin cuts.
Reserve some marinade before adding raw meat to use as a sauce after cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 420
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 95mg