Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef, featuring grilled boneless short ribs marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple soy ginger sauce, is a perfect dish for your next BBQ or weekend cookout. The marinade, made with kiwi, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, helps tenderize the beef and adds bold flavors. Whether you grill, pan-fry, or use an air fryer, this dish is easy to make and sure to impress!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Beef:

  • 2 lbs boneless beef short ribs (cut into ½-inch thin strips)

• For the Marinade:

  • 1 kiwi (peeled)

  • 2 stalks green onion

  • ½ cup pineapple juice

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)

  • 1-inch ginger (minced)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a blender, combine the kiwi, green onion, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth.

2. Prepare the Beef:
   Cut the beef into ½-inch thin strips. Place the beef in a large Ziploc bag or container. Pour the marinade over the beef and let it marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).

3. Cook the Beef:

   • Air Fry Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Air fry the beef for 5 minutes on each side, until you get a nice char. Be sure not to overcrowd the beef to get the best sear.

   • Pan Fry Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the beef for 5 minutes on each side.

   • Grill/BBQ Method: Preheat the grill and barbecue the beef for 5 minutes on each side until a nice char develops.

4. Serve:
   Serve the grilled beef hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds. Enjoy with rice, grilled vegetables, or your favorite side dish.

Nutrients

Estimated per serving (4 servings):

• Calories: 330-380 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 20g

• Sodium: ~750mg

• Sugar: 9g

The Secret to Tender, Flavorful Beef

The key to making this dish shine is the marinade. The ingredients come together beautifully to create a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and savory. The kiwi is the star of the marinade, acting as a natural tenderizer for the beef. Kiwi contains an enzyme called actinidin, which breaks down proteins and makes meat more tender. This results in a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked.

In addition to kiwi, the marinade includes pineapple juice, which complements the sweetness and adds a tangy kick. Soy sauce provides a savory, umami depth, while sesame oil introduces a nutty, aromatic element to the marinade. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that helps balance the acidity of the pineapple juice and soy sauce. Finally, the minced garlic and ginger infuse the beef with bold, aromatic flavors, rounding out the overall taste and enhancing the natural beefiness.

The Cooking Methods: Versatile and Easy

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re using a grill, a skillet, or an air fryer, the cooking methods are simple, and the result is consistently delicious.

• Grill/BBQ Method: Preheat your grill and barbecue the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side, or until a nice char develops. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy marinade, creating a beautiful caramelization on the beef. The high heat also ensures that the beef gets a nice sear, locking in the juices and flavor.

• Pan Fry Method: For those who don’t have access to a grill, pan-frying is a great alternative. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and pan-fry the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side. This method allows the beef to develop a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. It’s a quick and effective way to achieve a similar flavor to grilling.

• Air Fryer Method: If you’re looking for a healthier cooking option, the air fryer is perfect. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and air fry the beef for 5 minutes on each side. This method helps achieve a crispy exterior without needing much oil, making it a lower-fat alternative while still delivering that charred flavor.

No matter which method you choose, you’ll be left with perfectly cooked, tender beef strips that are bursting with flavor from the marinade.

The Marinade: Simple Yet Delicious

The marinade is incredibly easy to prepare. In a blender, simply combine the kiwi, green onion, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Blend everything together until smooth, and you’re ready to marinate the beef.

Once the marinade is ready, pour it over the thinly sliced beef strips, making sure they are fully coated. Place the beef in a large Ziploc bag or container and let it marinate for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate the beef overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop. The longer the beef marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside the Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef:

• Rice: Steamed rice is the perfect base to soak up the flavorful juices from the beef. You can serve it with white rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice for a more hearty option.

• Grilled Vegetables: Pair the beef with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. The smoky flavor from the grill complements the sweet and tangy beef, making it a well-rounded meal.

• Salad: A light, crisp salad with cucumber, lettuce, and a tangy dressing can help balance the richness of the beef. A simple Asian-inspired salad with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce would complement the flavors perfectly.

• Noodles: If you’re craving something more substantial, try serving the beef with a side of noodles. Stir-fried noodles or cold soba noodles would work wonderfully with the savory, sweet flavor of the beef.

Nutritional Breakdown: A Balanced Meal

This Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef is not only delicious but also relatively balanced when it comes to nutrition. With approximately 330-380 calories per serving and 30g of protein, this dish provides a good amount of lean protein from the beef. The fat content is around 20g, which includes the healthy fats from sesame oil. The dish also contains 15g of carbohydrates and 9g of sugar, thanks to the pineapple juice and brown sugar in the marinade. The sodium content is around 750mg, so be mindful if you’re watching your sodium intake, but you can always adjust the soy sauce or use a low-sodium version to reduce the saltiness.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Easy Dish

In conclusion, Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for BBQs, cookouts, or any time you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The tender beef, sweet and tangy marinade, and smoky flavor from the grill, skillet, or air fryer all come together to create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it with rice, vegetables, or noodles, this dish is a surefire way to elevate your meal and enjoy bold flavors in just a few simple steps. Give it a try at your next gathering and enjoy the irresistible taste of Maui-style BBQ!