Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef is a tropical twist on classic grilled short ribs. Marinated in a bold blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and kiwi, these boneless beef short ribs are tender, juicy, and full of umami flavor. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or air-fried, this quick and flavorful dish brings a taste of Hawaiian BBQ to your table. Ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless beef short ribs, cut into ½-inch thick strips

For the Marinade:

• 1 kiwi, peeled

• 2 green onion stalks

• ½ cup pineapple juice

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 3 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 tbsp garlic (minced)

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger

Directions

1. Make the Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Marinate the Beef: Place the beef strips in a large Ziploc bag or container and pour in the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill beef for 5 minutes on each side or until charred and cooked through.

4. Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry beef in batches for 5 minutes per side, avoiding overcrowding.

5. Pan-Fry Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef for 5 minutes per side until nicely caramelized.

6. Serve: Pair with steamed rice, Asian coleslaw, or grilled pineapple for the full island BBQ experience.

Nutrients (per serving) (Estimated for 4 servings)

• Calories: ~450 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 30g

• Sugar: 11g

• Sodium: ~900mg

• Fiber: 1g

A Tropical Marinade: The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the marinade, which combines both tropical sweetness and savory depth. Pineapple juice serves as the base, providing a natural sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the beef while also infusing it with a subtle fruity flavor. The addition of kiwi further enhances the tropical notes, bringing a tangy sweetness and a boost of vitamin C to the marinade. Kiwi’s natural enzymes also help break down the meat, making the beef even more tender.

Soy sauce adds a rich umami depth to the marinade, balancing the sweetness of the pineapple juice and kiwi with its salty, savory notes. Sesame oil contributes a nutty richness that brings warmth to the flavor profile, while minced garlic and fresh ginger add sharp, aromatic elements that complement the sweetness and umami of the other ingredients. Together, these components create a marinade that’s complex yet harmonious, making each bite of the beef deeply flavorful and tender.

Boneless Beef Short Ribs: Tender and Juicy

Boneless beef short ribs are the perfect cut of meat for this recipe. Known for their rich marbling and tenderness, short ribs have a melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked correctly. They are ideal for absorbing the bold flavors of the marinade, ensuring that every bite is bursting with umami goodness. Unlike bone-in short ribs, boneless short ribs are easier to handle and cook more evenly, making them a great choice for quick cooking methods like grilling, air-frying, or pan-frying.

When marinated, the beef takes on the flavors of the tropical marinade, becoming juicy and tender. The balance of fat and meat in the short ribs ensures that they stay moist and flavorful, providing a satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with the smoky char from grilling or the caramelization from pan-frying. Whether you’re grilling them outdoors or cooking them indoors, boneless beef short ribs are sure to impress with their tenderness and flavor.

Grill, Air Fry, or Pan Fry: Versatility in Cooking Methods

One of the best aspects of this Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef is its versatility when it comes to cooking methods. Whether you prefer grilling, using an air fryer, or pan-frying, the beef short ribs turn out beautifully every time.

Grilling is a classic choice, giving the beef that coveted smoky flavor and crispy char. When grilled over medium-high heat, the beef becomes nicely caramelized on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The grill marks add to the visual appeal, and the smoky flavor from the grill complements the tropical marinade perfectly. Grilling is a fantastic option, especially during the summer months when you can take advantage of the outdoor weather and serve the dish with a refreshing side of grilled vegetables or tropical fruit.

For those who prefer a quicker, more hands-off method, the air fryer is a great alternative. Preheating the air fryer to 400°F allows the beef to cook quickly and evenly, developing a crisp exterior without the need for a grill. The air fryer method is especially convenient when you want to make this dish indoors or if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. The beef retains its tenderness and caramelization, and the air fryer gives the short ribs a nice crispy edge without the excess grease of traditional frying.

Pan-frying is another excellent option for cooking the beef. Using a large skillet over medium-high heat allows the beef to sear nicely, developing a caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy. Pan-frying is ideal if you want to achieve that crispy, caramelized texture but don’t have access to a grill or air fryer. It also provides more control over the cooking process, allowing you to adjust the heat and cooking time to your liking.

Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Accompaniments

To complete the meal and truly capture the spirit of Hawaiian BBQ, serve the Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef with a variety of complementary sides. Steamed rice is the perfect base, as it helps to absorb the savory and sweet flavors of the beef and marinade. The rice acts as a neutral backdrop to balance the richness of the meat, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

For a more adventurous side, serve the beef with Asian coleslaw. The crunchy cabbage and tangy dressing add a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramelized beef, providing a nice balance of textures and flavors. Grilled pineapple is another excellent pairing, as its sweetness and smokiness enhance the tropical flavors of the dish. You can grill the pineapple alongside the beef for added flavor and visual appeal, or serve it fresh as a cool, juicy complement to the warm beef.

For a more hearty option, serve the beef over noodles or alongside stir-fried vegetables. The noodles will soak up the flavorful marinade and create a more substantial meal, while the vegetables add a nutritious, colorful element to the dish. These sides can be customized based on your preferences, but each one pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of the Maui-style beef.

Healthier Than It Seems

While this dish might seem indulgent due to the rich flavor of the pork belly and caramelized onions, it is actually a relatively healthy option. The short ribs provide a good amount of protein and essential nutrients, and using lean cuts of beef ensures that the dish doesn’t become overly fatty. The marinade, made with natural ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, and kiwi, adds flavor without the need for heavy sauces or creams. Additionally, serving the beef alongside vegetables and rice helps to balance the meal and provide fiber and vitamins.

For those looking to make the dish lighter, you can also swap out the beef short ribs for chicken or turkey, keeping the marinade and cooking method the same. The marinade’s balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors can be adapted to different proteins, offering flexibility while still maintaining that signature tropical taste.

The Appeal of Asian-Inspired BBQ

Asian BBQ is beloved for its combination of bold flavors and cooking techniques. It often uses marinades and sauces that are rich in umami and designed to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. This recipe, with its tropical twist, brings a new level of excitement to the BBQ experience. The pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger provide a depth of flavor that is both familiar and exotic, creating a perfect fusion of savory, sweet, and tangy elements.

The dish is also incredibly versatile, as it can be adapted to different cooking methods, flavor profiles, and dietary preferences. Whether grilling outdoors in the summer, cooking inside during the colder months, or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef offers a fast and flavorful solution that is sure to impress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings the taste of Hawaiian BBQ into your kitchen. With its savory, sweet marinade and tender, juicy beef short ribs, this dish is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to summer cookouts. The versatility in cooking methods—whether grilled, air-fried, or pan-fried—makes it accessible and easy to prepare, while the complementary sides like rice, coleslaw, and grilled pineapple help round out the meal. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying main dish or a fun way to enjoy tropical flavors, Asian BBQ Maui Style Beef is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.